Critical accommodation for regional youth

27 June 2022

Vulnerable young people in regional NSW will have more options for crisis accommodation and services, thanks to an additional $1 million investment by the NSW Government. 

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones has said the Youth Justice NSW Regional Homelessness Project will address critical gaps in accommodation services for young people in regional NSW. 

"The most at risk youth are those without a family home unit and we find that the chances of young people going into custody can increase if they are homeless or lack support," Mrs Maclaren-Jones said. 

"The 500 night youth accommodation pilot project will create more short-term crisis accommodation options for our young people. 

"The project will also see the extension of regional adolescent alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, ensuring vulnerable youth have the services they need to get their lives back on track." 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said it was vital that young people in the regions are offered the same services as those in the city and that these services are culturally safe. 

"This additional funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will  support culturally safe accommodation services for Aboriginal young people in the regions," Mr Franklin said. 

"Our children are our future, and we must ensure that every child has access to safe, appropriate accommodation. This Government is committed to ensuring accessibility for every individual is at the core of the policies we deliver."

Download media release: Critical accommodation for regional youth (PDF , 335.8 KB)