Homeless help for children

CHILDREN at risk of homelessness in Tasmania’s North will have a new purpose-built crisis centre to get a bed by September next year after the state government bought a property in Launceston.

The eight-bedroom property will provide crisis accommodation to children aged between 12 and 15. Housing Minister Michael Ferguson (pictured) said the government would invest $6.9m to provide the service which he said would fill a current gap.

The service will be delivered by experienced youth service provider – Youth, Family and Community Connections – through a $4.6m contract over five years.

YFCC will work to help stabilise children in crisis and provide support to engage with education, develop living skills, facilitate community connections, and reunify families wherever possible.

Mr Ferguson said the Tasmanian government invested more than $33m each year in specialist homelessness services, including nine dedicated shelters providing more than 60 beds for youth statewide.

The central Launceston property will be refurbished to provide eight residential single-bedroom units, common use and recreational areas for young residents, and on-site staff amenities.