The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to improving services and supports for children and young people under 16 who are at risk of, or are, experiencing homelessness in our community.
In response to key recommendations made to the Government by the Under 16 Homelessness Taskforce, we have committed $10 million over four years for an Under 16 Lighthouse Pilot Project.
We understand that young people who are under 16, unaccompanied, and experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable. These young people need 'care', not just accommodation. They need intensive support to address their wellbeing needs and to support reunification with their families.
Today, we are pleased to release a Request for Proposals for a Therapeutic Residential Model of Care.
The model will provide early interventions for unaccompanied children and young people aged between 12 and 15 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with a focus on those who are not in the care of the State and where returning them to their family is an achievable goal.
The Service will be piloted in the South and is expected to accommodate up to five children and young people at any one time. Children, Youth and Families and Housing Tasmania have been working together to prepare a suitable property for the service.
The model has been developed based on existing research and service models in Australia, such as Ruby's Reunification Program (SA) and the Lighthouse Foundation (VIC), in collaboration with the Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line (ARL), internal stakeholders, the Under 16 Homelessness cross-sectoral Working Group and Housing Tasmania.
The Service aligns with Tasmania's Child and Youth Wellbeing Framework as well as the Under 16 Homelessness: Children and young people under 16 who are alone and at risk of or experiencing homelessness: A Policy Framework for Tasmania.
Importantly, the Service supports the notion that the Government, families, community services and the broader community have a shared responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
