Anglicare Youth Homelessness Report Paints Confronting Picture

Anglicare’s ground breaking report on youth homelessness makes it clear young Tasmanians experiencing homelessness want more resources put into family support and a more sustained, strategic response from Child Protection when it has to intervene, Greens Human Services spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP, said today.

“Anglicare’s report, Reducing Youth Homelessness, gives young Tasmanians experiencing family breakdown and homelessness a strong voice. The 22 young people who were interviewed have very clear insights into their own circumstances and how ‘the system’ could better respond to youth homelessness,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Not only do we need to continue the dedicated focus on increasing the supply of housing and supported accommodation that began under the Labor-Green Government, we need to ensure that families in stress and families in crisis get the help they need, when they need it.”

“These first hand accounts of a young person’s sad journey into homelessness tells us a story of young people who felt they had no choice but to leave the family home due to violence, neglect, mental health challenges and addiction issues, but often their strongest wish is for the safety and emotional security of a functional family home.”

“Support for families before crisis hits is critical if we are to tackle youth homelessness in Tasmania.”

“We also need to increase the supply of affordable, supported accommodation like Thyne House in Launceston and the new Trinity Hill youth accommodation facility in Hobart, both projects delivered or initiated by the previous government.”

“Secure, supported accommodation turns young lives around. We’re seeing the results at Thyne House of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds re-engaging with their families, education, training and employment.”

“These young Tasmanians have so much to offer our community. They just need to be given a chance for some stability and genuine care from significant others in their lives,” Ms O’Connor said.
Reference: Anglicare Tasmania; Reducing Youth Homelessness: Advice from young people on how to reduce homelessness in Tasmania; August 2014.
Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Human Services spokesperson