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September 2023 Edition
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Ending Youth Homelessness 2023
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A fabulous day with the Specialist Youth Homelessness sector from around Queensland.
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A great overview of current happenings in Housing from our Director General Mark Cridland was much appreciated.
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The Services Union (TSU) Lead Organiser Stuart Maggs addressed participants on the Specialist Youth Homelessness funding campaign by TSU in conjunction with QYHC for a 25% increase to funding for the sector and additional funding for a 2 worker model to ensure worker safety at all times. Stuart also spoke about the funding contracts in the sector and the need for flexibility and respect when dealing with employers so they can support and meet their obligations to staff.
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A huge thank you also to Professor Susan Dennison for her fabulous presentation on the impact of Mothers’ incarceration on families and young people and better ways of working with this cohort for improved long-term outcomes for all family members.
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A big thanks to our young people and colleagues who facilitated and scribed and to our departmental colleagues who attended and soaked up the wealth of information.
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Most of all a huge thank you to the Specialist Youth Homelessness Services from around Queensland who turned up as they always do to offer their wisdom in spades.
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Premier’s Housing Roundtable
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A pleasure to be part of the Premier’s Third Housing Roundtable to hear the progress that’s been made as well as the varying perspectives, conundrums, and opportunities for the most effective ways forward in providing rapid housing supply. It was great to have the opportunity to speak to the housing and support needs of young people who experience homelessness and be part of the discussions around the myriad of responses required for the many cohorts in our communities experiencing homelessness.
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Boosting supply of social and affordable housing
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- 13,500 social and affordable home commencements by 30 June 2027. 858 homes delivered in 2022-23, a 109% increase on 2021-22
- $2 billion Housing Investment Fund to deliver 5,600 new social and affordable housing commencements by 30 June 2027.
1,600 homes already approved.
- 4,864 homes built and purchased since 1 July 2015, housing approximately 10,000 Queenslanders, including 530 homes delivered under QuickStarts Qld between 1 July 2021 and 31 August 2023. A further $322.2 million committed to expand Quickstarts Old by another 500 new social housing dwelling commencements, to a target of 3,265 by 30 June 2025.
- Modern Methods of Construction initiative constructing modern. prefabricated homes for use as social and government employee housing, more than 100 to be delivered by the end of 2023
- From 1 July 2023, tax concessions available on Build-to-Rent developments that provide at least 10% of dwellings at discounted rents.
- Three new developments contracted to deliver approximately 1,200 apartments to the rental market under the $70M Build-to-Rent Pilot, including up to 490 dwellings to be provided at a discount to market rent.
- Over 2000 sites reviewed through government land and buildings audit. Initial investigations being undertaken on 27 large sites across nine local government areas. 400 smaller regional sites also to be further investigated.
- Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) engaged to develop a model to predict future demand for social housing in Queensland.
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Increasing housing and homelessness support
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- Over 37,400 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness assisted in the first 9 months of 2022-23 through Specialist Homelessness Services - 2,495 more than the same period in 2021-22.
- Invested $250.8 million in 2023-24 for continued delivery of Specialist Homelessness Services.
- Approximately 200,000 Queenslanders housed in 76,111 social housing homes as at 30 June 2023.
- Assisted more than 7,190 households, including with 130,190 nights of accommodation, through the $54 million Immediate Housing Response Package, as at 31 July 2023.
- Acquired four former retirement villages to provide accommodation with support for up to 307 adults and a 23-room hotel for emergency accommodation.
- Limited rent increase frequency to no more than once in every 12 months from 1 July 2023.
- Helped over 78,000 households experiencing rental stress to secure or keep a private rental in 2022-23 through $84.9 million.
- Provided almost $7 billion in concessions and support to home and first home buyers since 2015.
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As mentioned in our Ending Youth Homelessness overview, The Services Union is campaigning to support Specialist Youth Homelessness Services and QYHC’s call for 25% increase in funding! As well as supporting our call for 2 worker models in 24/7 communal settings. The Union has been our greatest advocate over decades in supporting our organisations and workforce in their capacity to deliver safe quality services for young people.
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National Housing and Homelessness Plan Roundtable
QYHC attended the recent NHHP Roundtable in Brisbane with the Federal government and offered key insights into what young people need moving forward based on the feedback of our Specialist Youth Homelessness Services and young people.
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The National Housing and Homelessness Plan will be part of the Australian Government’s broader housing and homelessness agenda. They’ve released and Issues Paper that seeks feedback from the public on key issues in the housing and homelessness system that need to be considered in the development of the Plan. They would like to hear from people with lived expertise, not-for-profit organisations, industry bodies, housing experts and other relevant stakeholders.
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If you were unable to attend a face to face Community Forum event, there is one more online webinar open for registrations on Monday, 30 October: register here
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Submissions extended until Friday 20th October 2023. To read the Issues Paper and provide a response, click here.
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Join QYHC in supporting Yfoundations
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This is the perfect time to support Yfoundations and sign the petition if you haven’t already done so. We are so close to our 10,000 signature target which ensures it will be raised in parliament.
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Extending Post Care Support for Queensland Young People
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Extended post care support options now available for young people until they’re 21 years. As of July 1st, 2023, young people turning 18 will receive additional supports including: cultural support, financial support and allowances for extended family-based care. All the details are in this important Fact Sheet.
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Exciting news for Brisbane Specialist Youth Homelessness Services
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon announced yesterday the vacant Hamilton Motor Inn will be transformed into temporary supported accommodation to provide an additional 19 semi-self-contained rooms for young people aged between 16 to 24 years. 24/7 onsite supports will be available to the young people to help them work towards their goals.
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The motor inn will be leased for an initial period of three years, with two one year options. The government will shortly commence a procurement process to identify an experienced specialist homelessness service provider, that will deliver 24/7 onsite supports to the young people.
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Minister Scanlon stated: “On top of our big housing build, we’ve been looking at ways to provide more immediate solutions like purchasing and leasing vacant retirement villages, apartment complexes and motels."
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“The supported accommodation at the Hamilton Motor Inn will give young people the stability they need so they can look towards achieving their long-term goals like employment, education and increased income."
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“The specialist onsite staff will be available 24/7 to help them to work towards these goals while also helping them to secure their path to longer term housing."
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“Each room will contain their own bedroom, kitchenette, living space and a private ensuite, and there will also be a communal kitchen, laundry and dining area plus office spaces.”
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Safe Places Grant Opportunity
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The Department will hold information sessions in early October. The information sessions will provide guidance on the grant opportunity guidelines, eligibility and assessment criteria, and an opportunity to ask questions. You can register for an information session on Eventbrite.
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The grant opportunity will close on 14 November 2023. For more information on the grant opportunity, please head to the GrantConnect website.
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Government Launches Guide
to Assist Media Reporting
on Sexual Violence
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A new guide developed by the Queensland Government to help media report appropriately and responsibly on sexual violence is now available. The guide includes information on new laws about the public naming of those charged with prescribed sexual offences, such as rape and sexual assault, set to commence on 3 October 2023.
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This resource to assist journalists was developed in response to a recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.
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For more information about the Sexual Violence Media Guide, click here.
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Chameleon Conference
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Registration 8.00am for 8.30am – 4.00pm
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- Housing First - Professor Cameron Parsell Keynote Speaker
- SafeSide - Recovery orientated suicide prevention framework.
- First Nation Young People leaving Care connecting to Country.
- Advocating for Policy Change.
- QPS on Working with Vulnerable People.
- Worker Health and Wellbeing.
- Panel Discussion lead by Professor Cameron Parsell including people with lived experience of Homelessness.
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Sexual Violence Awareness Month
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Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVA Month) is held during October each year to:
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- Raise community awareness about sexual violence
- Promote the support options available to people affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse
- Uphold a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in our communities.
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Awesome AOD Training for Youth Homelessness Services!
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Dovetail AOD Training - 10th October
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Dovetail is running a free full day workshop in Brisbane for Specialist youth homelessness services and out-of-home care residential staff.
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For registration details, click here.
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Great Rebates for
Energy Efficient Appliances
The Queensland government are offering rebates between $300-$1000 on energy efficient appliances - 4 star or more.
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All households / low-income households.
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Washing machines and dryers - $300 / $550
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Dishwashers - $300 / $550
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Air conditioners - $400 / $650
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Hot water systems - $800 / $1000
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Find more information here.
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ACOSS Raise the Rate Report
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The campaign to Raise the Rate for Good is key to reducing poverty and inequality in Australia. QYHC is an avid advocate for addressing the appalling rates of income support. Poverty early in life is an indicator of long-term homelessness. Eradicating poverty is key to addressing many social ills faced by members of our communities. A level of income support for young people that that ensures they can actively participate, both socially and economically, is essential.
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The National Trend of School Refusal and Related Matters
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This report, from the Parliament of Australia, about school refusal includes information on: prevalence, drivers, and impacts of school refusal; the need for a national approach to addressing school refusal; and barriers and opportunities related to addressing school refusal.
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Everybody's Home Report
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Across Australia, concern about the housing crisis has never been greater. Asking rents have been rising steadily for decades, and have surged to extreme levels over recent years. More households are in housing stress, and severe housing stress, than at any other time in our history. And the shortfall in social housing has peaked at record-highs as waiting lists stretch longer than anyone thought possible. Amidst these statistics are the experiences of people. More and more are missing out on the dream of a home, including renters who have been forgotten and ignored in debates about housing for years. They now face a housing market that has never been less affordable or more volatile as they are forced to spend record amounts to keep a roof over their heads.
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Crisis Accommodation in Australia
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Each year more than 160,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness seek crisis accommodation from Specialist Homelessness Services SHS. Not all can be accommodated, and many are turned away. For those who do access crisis accommodation, experiences vary significantly.
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New research, ‘Crisis accommodation in Australia: now and for the future’, undertaken for AHURI explores the different crisis accommodation models operating in Australia and found:
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- Many more people need crisis accommodation than can access it.
- SHS are forced to use purchased short-term accommodation, such as boarding houses, motels and caravan parks. This accommodation is often inappropriate and provides inadequate support.
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Fantastic FREE training for Brisbane SW
ARACY is partnering with Yiliyapinya to offer professional development in South-West Brisbane, Ipswich and surrounds to those who work with children, youth and their parents/carers.
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This training opportunity will enable you and your staff to learn the Common Approach with ARACY and how to use four evidence-based, best practices for working with children and young people to harness optimal outcomes focusing on prevention and early engagement. In combination with the Common Approach, Yiliyapinya will support you to complete a Brain Health screener and learn how to translate neuroscience into action. It will also introduce you to further learning opportunities such as the ‘Understanding Brain Development’ modules developed for ARACY/TQKP by Emerging Minds, the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health.
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The Common Approach training® is a blended learning course, comprising of eLearning modules and an in-person workshop. The eLearning modules take approximately 3 hours to complete. Once the modules are completed, participants then attend a one-day workshop Tuesday 24 October 2023 in South West Brisbane where you will complete a Brain Health screener and learn how to translate neuroscience into action.
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Preference will be given to pairs from organisations to undertake the training and attend the workshop together. For more information, click here.
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Human Rights Training
The Queensland Human Rights Commission is providing training sessions including:
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- Introduction to the Human Rights Act
- Introduction to the Anti-discrimination Act
- Human Rights Act for Community Advocates
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Find the dates and register here.
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Responding to Young People’s
AOD Use
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In other exciting news Dovetail recently released a new practice video which targets Specialist Youth Housing workers and OoHC Resi workers!
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The Youth Work Community of Practice (CoP) is Wednesday 4th October 3-5pm. Explore the concept of values in youth work and what a values-driven organisation looks like. YANQ will use the Sistersinside Inclusive Support Model to guide this discussion.
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Registrations are still open for the extra session scheduled for Wednesday 1st November 3:30pm-5:00pm to explore Youth Work and Primary Crime Prevention. At this session, Siyavash will share his experience of managing a primary crime prevention project for 8 years in a low socio-economic community. This project focused on strengthening community and social structures and was highly successful in reducing criminalisation of young people. He will also draw on 20-years of youth justice research and advocacy.
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Act Against Gender-based Violence
WHEQ facilitates workplace education workshops with groups of 15 – 25 participants. Each workshop runs for 3 hours.
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‘Laying Down the Law’
Online Training
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Youth Advocacy Centre’s ‘Laying Down the Law’ online version of their highly sought after youth worker training program has launched!!!
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Fantastic training for those in the youth support sector that can be completed from your home or office.
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Coercive Control Literature Review
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INFORMATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
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Seeking Talented Youth Actors
Mind Blanks is a mental health promotion charity seeking young talented actors to become part of their acting ensemble in Brisbane and surrounding areas. If you know any local young talented creative artists who would love a chance to make a real difference in the community, Mind Blank has a wonderful opportunity to provide:
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- paid casual employment to support a creative career
- social education and youth development experience
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Support Your Mental Health
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Smiling Mind provides daily mindfulness and meditation guides at your fingertips. Their evidence-based tools support people to learn the skills to maintain their mental health in fun and interactive ways. Find out more here.
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AOD Program for
LGBTIQ+ Young People
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The Alcohol and Other Drug Program at Open Doors Youth Service provides psychosocial interventions to LGBTIQ+ young people between the ages of 12 to 24 who are experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use, or who are impacted by the alcohol or drug use of others. Refer here.
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Helping Hands TV
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Helping Hands TV have recently launched a series accessible on 9Now. Vignettes are presented on the Benefits of Community connection, Young People and Anxiety, Paying It Forward and many others.
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The Sleep Ninja App
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Sleep Ninja is a free adolescent focused app which helps young people improve their sleep. Over 6 weeks, the six training sessions go through the importance and role of sleep, raise own awareness of habits that are contributing to poor sleep hygiene and teaches behavioural and cognitive strategies to change unhelpful sleep patterns. Find out more here.
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Everybody’s Home is a national campaign to address the housing crisis. It focuses on working together to call on Australian governments to bring balance back to the system, so that everybody has a place to call home.
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The campaign will be working with their 42,000 partners to strengthen the Government’s 10 year National Housing and Homelessness Plan and the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement. We simply cannot end the current shortfall without Government funding.
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Call to Halve Child Poverty by 2030
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Poverty affects far too many Australian children and families, diminishing their life opportunities now and into the future. As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it’s just not right that 1 in 6 of our children grow up in poverty.
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The campaign calls upon all politicians to commit to halve child poverty by 2030. QYHC is cognisant that childhood poverty is strongly connected to homelessness as a young person and in later life. Addressing poverty is essential. Find out more here.
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