Lessons in life for teens

VULNERABLE young Geelong people will be supported to transition from out of home care to independent living under a new pilot program aimed at curbing youth homelessness.

A 12-month pilot program will assist 49 young Geelong people access secure housing employment opportunities and ongoing support.

Barwon Child, Youth and Family client services director Max Broadley said many young people in care found themselves with nowhere to go once they turned 18.

The $420,000 program will connect at-risk youths, aged from 16-21, with support workers.

Mr Broadley said the program would fill a missing link in support services and help young people exposed to various levels of trauma during their childhood.

“We want young people to reach the end of their teenage years with skills for financial management, employment and to have developed relationships outside of care,” Mr Broadley said.

He said the program would reduce the likelihood of young people falling into cycles of homelessness, the justice system and patterns of crime.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence has developed the model, tools and resources for the program.

A similar pilot program already helping young people transition from care to independence in Gippsland, Bayside Peninsula and Southern Melbourne will run until June 2018.

Mr Broadley said the program focused on empowering young people with the skills they needed to achieve individual goals.

“The pilot will encourage young people to explore their interests and capabilities, strengthen connections in their professional and social relationships, and learn how to actively shape their future.”