Early intervention and support
A number of programs and initiatives are in place to support and assist young people who experiencing difficulties. These might include not having stable accommodation, coming into contact with the Police or problems with managing drug or alcohol consumption.
For more information about how young people can become more involved with their community or about what is going on for young people across the state you can visit YouthCentral.
Finding Solutions Program
Finding Solutions is a statewide service for young people of secondary school age at immediate risk of being placed in out of home care. Finding Solutions workers meet with the young person and family to identify what the issues are and develop a plan together to address them.
- Read more about the Finding Solutions Program.
Youth Support Service
The Youth Support Service aims to help young people at risk of entering the youth justice system. Referrals to the Youth Support Service are made by Victoria Police, youth justice court advisors and internally by agencies providing services to young people. Young people must have had recent contact with Victoria Police, but not be a client of Youth Justice or Child Protection services.
The Youth Support Service aims to work with the young person to comprehensively assess their needs and assist them to develop positive life goals and access other support and services as required, young people must choose to work with the Youth Support Service, involvement by a young person is on a voluntary basis.
Adolescent Support Program
The Adolescent Support Program aims to assist young people to remain at home, or living independently, This program provides case management to young people in a range of different services across the State.
- Read more about Adolescent Support Program.
Other government services
Youth Mental Health Services
A number of initiatives seek to address the mental health needs of young people and including community adolescent mental health services; intensive mobile youth outreach services; acute inpatient services; and psychiatric disability, rehabilitation and support services.
- Read more about Youth Mental Health Services or visit the Department of Health website.
Drug services for youth
Counselling and support services are available from the department by referral and operated in tandem with child protection workers.
- Read more about drug services for youth or visit the Department of Health website.
