From July 1st 2010 West Coast Youth Services was nominated as the Generic Homelessness service for the Port Lincoln and Lower Eyre Peninsula region. This means any homeless person in this area can now request assistance from us regarding housing and we provide case management support to address the barriers contributing to their homelessness. How does this process work?
• Referral to WCYS for housing assessment – may be self referral (walk in), from HousingSA, Centrelink, a job network provider, school counsellor or another agency.
• Assessment is conducted by WCYS staff and the client is assigned a case manager to work with them on barriers contributing to homelessness, such as - family breakdown, financial problems, mental health problems, drug & alcohol issues, unemployment, domestic violence, overcrowding and a variety of other issues.
• In the event that housing is not immediately available (as is often the case), clients are provided with case management support while they are on the wait list for housing. This wait list support includes advocacy with HousingSA, Real Estate Agencies, private landlords, Centrelink, FamiliesSA, SAPOL or any other relevant agency. Assistance may also be provided on justice related matters, liaison with employment agencies, schools and a variety of other matters.
• Case management may include involvement of other relevant agencies to provide a wrap around service to the client.
We continue to provide youth focussed services such as:
• Youthaven Shelter accommodation for young people aged 14 to 17 who are homeless. Youthaven costs $20 per night which includes accommodation and food and entry is subject to an assessment by the Youthaven Manager regarding the young person’s situation.
• Youth Programs – these are focussed on assisting young people to improve their social skills, leadership ability, employment prospects, relationships and well being, self esteem and education results. West Coast Youth Services also operates the Port Lincoln Youth Advisory Committee and young people are encouraged to be involved to increase their confidence, skills and social networks.
• Our Family and Youth Counsellor is able to provide confidential counselling to assist with a range of issues including relationship/family counselling, drug & alcohol, domestic violence, mental health, social and self esteem issues, anger management, grief & loss and a range of other therapies.
• Youthoria Cinema – this youth project was initiated and is managed by young people and supported by West Coast Youth Services. The objective of this project is to provide a safe, drug & alcohol free space that is a sustainable business that provides employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged youth as well as an entertainment venue for the community.
• Ican Case Management – We provide Case management support to school students who are nominated by their schools to be involved in the ICAN program.