Submission to NSW Homelessness Strategy
October 2016: NSW government is forming its next homelessness strategy. More young people experience homelessness in NSW than in any other state and young people are overrepresented in the NSW homeless population. Young people are particularly vulnerable to homelessness.
Youth Action provided a brief submission to the discussion paper ‘Foundations for Change’, focusing on the interconnectedness of many issues and homelessness, as well as the role of generalist youth services.
We recommend that a homelessness strategy for young people must focus on prevention and early intervention; accessible, timely and appropriate support; as well as an increase in options for alternative housing options. We comment on factors such as housing affordability, working with the ‘whole’ young person, and issues such as domestic and family violence.