Youth AOD Service
“If it wasn't for The Salvation Army, I wouldn’t even have had Taylor with me for Christmas."
Alcohol and other drug use is often thought of as a part of youth culture, however some young people use alcohol and other drugs as a means of coping with things like mental health, stress or peer pressure. As young people’s brains are still developing, young people are at a greater risk of alcohol and other drug related harm.
Our practices are informed by young people and work to reduce harm by building on young people’s strengths and enhancing health, well-being, independence and resilience.
We welcome all people, regardless of race, gender, status, or sexual orientation. We understand that a safe space for growth is created when people feel believed in, valued, listened to and respected. Our centre provides a supportive environment where young people are free to be themselves.
Youth AOD Service
The Salvation Army Youth AOD Service is based in sunny Townsville supports young people aged 16 - 25 years in a residential AOD treatment setting.
Young people at some time or another may experiment with drugs or alcohol, but for some, drinking or drug taking can become problematic and they will need help to get their lives back on track.
The service can support up to 8 young people aged between 16 and 25 years in units that allow for each young person to be situated in their own bedroom for comfort, privacy and safety. Our service is flexible and responsive to young people's unique needs. We partner with a range of specialist service providers including local medical and psychological supports to ensure holistic support is provided to all young people.
It's important to note that young people at the beginning of their stay will generally have limited access to their mobile phone and electronic devices, limited visitors and only supervised outings. This will change as they progress through the program and along their recovery journey.
These practices support young people to focus on healing and allow them the space and time to begin developing relationships with other young people and staff.
RESIDENTIAL
Case Management Support
Our Case Managers will support young people develop an individualised plan that focuses on:
- Developing life and living skills to prepare young people for independence;
- Addressing issues in relation to health and wellbeing;
- Promoting opportunities to overcome exclusion and isolation;
- Exploring positive pathways to engage in education, training and employment;
- Maintaining safe and stable housing.
Therapeutic Group Work
Our therapeutic group work program provides a facilitated peer-based platform to practice strategies and skills, gain support and normalise challenges young people experience on a daiy basis.
By participating in group work programs alongside other participants, young people will have the opportunity to enhance or develop their:
- Relapse prevention skills
- Positive coping skills
- Self-esteem
- Communication skills
- Capacity to regulate emotions in a safe, supportive environment
Life and Living Skills Program
The Life and Living Skills Program encourages independence, supporting young people to make choices in their everyday life and to participate in the day-to-day activities of the program.
The Life and Living Skills program will help young people take control and make choices about what is important to them.
Our Youth Workers can help young people build their skills in cooking, budgeting, cleaning their home, healthy eating, exercise and living well.
We work alongside young people to create a tailored support plan that will help them develop the essential skills they need for a better quality of life.
Youth Participation
Our program seeks to meaningfully engage young people in all aspects of our work and engage young people on issues that directly affect them through regular on-site youth participation activities and wider community-based projects and events. These activities include:
- Weekly youth meetings
- Weekly recreational activities
- Holiday programs
- Community events
We also have a range of amenities that all young people can access:
- Swimming pool
- Recreation Hall
- Art room
- Basketball hoop
- Pool table
- Common area with access to TV, games etc
The misuse of alcohol and other drugs can have a damaging impact on individuals, families, and communities and that’s why we are here to help. It is important to get support if you or a young person you know, needs help to manage a substance use issue and/or anger issues related to AOD.
OUTREACH
Case Management Support
An individually tailored program that supports young people aged 16 to 25 with mild to moderate substance use issues. A Youth Case Worker will work with the young person to discover their individual needs and will support them in achieving their goals and enhancing their well-being.
Therapeutic Group Work
Therapeutic group work is designed to increase awareness of the effects of drug and alcohol use and empower young people to make informed and healthy choices.
The service creates a safe environment for young people to voice concerns and ask questions and gives them the skills and awareness to make healthier choices in order to delay, reduce, and prevent the use of alcohol and other drugs.
TSA Youth Services
For over 20 years, TSA Youth Services have been walking alongside young people across Australia.
We provide a range of services that support young people to secure safe and stable housing, engage in alcohol and other drug recovery, reconnect with school, explore further training and employment opportunities, become safe drivers and navigate justice systems all whilst promoting positive community connections.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential!
To help us achieve our goal of supporting every young person to reach their full potential, we have developed our National Model of Care - Journey to Independence.
The Salvation Army Youth Services has a range of programs for young people, their families and the community. To find out more about The Salvation Army Youth Services in Australia, visit Youth services | The Salvation Army Australia
What is a Model of Care?
A Model of Care outlines how our services are delivered. It sets out our commitment to all young people, children and families. It guides what we say, what we do, how we act and how we respond.
It's our guiding document that ensures everything we do creates intentional and meaningful pathways for young people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
For most kids, home time is something to look forward to. For others, the end of the day means fear and uncertainty.
Every year, there are almost 40,000 children and young people who have nowhere to live across this country. Around 9,500 of them are 15-17 years old and thousands more lost their homes when they were children.
Current policies are creating lifetimes of disadvantage by failing vulnerable children and young people. It’s time to fix our housing system through policy change and dedicated investment.
We are calling on federal, state and territory governments to:
- Develop and maintain a national pool of 15,000 dedicated youth tenancies for 16-24 year olds.
- Provide linked support services to enable young people to pursue their individual goals and transition to full independence.
- Address the rental gap to ensure viability for housing providers and landlords offering tenancies to young people who have been homeless
Emergency contact numbers
National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline (24 hours): 1800 737 732 (1800 Respect)
Lifeline: 131 114
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself or someone else, please call 000 for emergency assistance.
Interpreter Service
If you find it difficult to communicate in or understand English, our team will provide you with more information and support you to access an interpreter through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). This is free of charge and you can request an interpreter whenever you feel you need one.
Phone 131 450
The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past and present.
We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
The Salvation Army is an international movement. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name with love and without discrimination.