1. NYHS Nepean Youth Homelessness Service A cross agency integration model accommodating and supporting young people with high needs Leanne Armstrong – NYHS Coordinator, Marist Youth Care. Adrian Foon – SAAP Strategy, NSW Community Services. Annie Rogers – Mount Druitt Integrated Youth Service, Wesley Mission.
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3. Cross agency integration model Principal Agency $ Coordination Group Service eg reconnect Service eg disability Service eg health Service eg neighbour-hood centres Service eg Brighter Futures Service eg SAAP Service eg CSGP adolescent Service eg family support
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Notas do Editor
NYHS is funded by Department of Premier and Cabinet for 12 months and is a joint agreement between DoCS, HNSW and NSW Health. The project outcomes are to support and accommodate 10 young people with high needs. The client criteria for high needs is defined as: Aged 15-25 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Nepean area (comprising the Local Government Areas of Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Blacktown). People who agree to utilise the support being provided through support agencies and NSW Health and to participate with the development and implementation of their case management or care / treatment plan. High needs, with a history of rough sleeping and chronic homelessness (repeat users of SAAP services). Experiencing complex issues including but not limited to; Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health including self harm, Intellectual / Cognitive Disability and Challenging Behaviour. Clients are accessing housing provided by Housing NSW exclusively for the Nepean Youth Homelessness Service In addition, NYHS ha allocated early intervention case management support packages for a minimum of 14 young people at risk of homelessness.
Acknowledgement of the Kings Cross Youth At Risk Project model, which formed the basis of the Coordination Group and the integration / partnership model across different agencies and funded non government organisations. The CG is responsible for: Assessment of all referrals into NYHS Determine the level of support required and which agency / service provider will provide the support (where there is no identified support provider) Allocate and approve brokerage applications per client referral Membership to the CG consists of: SAAP services (Specialist homelessness services) NYDAS Child & Adolescent Mental Health HNSW Specialist Client Service Officer CSGP service Employment service
Client outcomes include: Client TM: TM has engaged with all support provided and attended all schedule meetings to date. TM self confidence has increased as TM discuss further about family issues, finances and concerns with Housing NSW. TM has spoken in her review with NYHS Coordinator and Housing NSW Specialist CSO regarding the dampness in her unit and mold on the window sills. TM has expressed some concerns for safety. TM is attending a job network agency. In addition, TM has expressed interest in a hospitality course through Café Horizon in St Marys. TM continues to work on her budgeting, cooking and shopping skills. TM has recently purchased art supplies as a hobby. Further support for TM will be focused on engagement with Community support options. Client KG: KG has a very good insight into how she feels and is aware of her weakness and has discussed such weakness with her case manager. KG welcomes the additional support. KG has maintained all of her appointments with Nepean Youth Drug and Alcohol Service (NYDAS), Relationship Australia, Enterprise (job network agency) and EPI (Early Psychosis Intervention) Centre for Mental Health appointments. KG continues to work on strategies to address family conflict. KG enjoys current employment and is considering working 2 days a week by the end of the next 3 month review. KG travels to and from work with no assistance from support workers. There have been no incidence of domestic violence since KG and her partner started attending Relationship Australia counselling. KG is aware of her alcohol consumption and is exploring strategies with NYDAS to reduce her consumption. Client NR: NR has regularly attended appointments and is open to treatment. NR currently involved in Relapse Prevention Program, Depression Management group and with Campbell Paige Employment Service. NR had previous anxiety around attending and participating in groups and social activities but this has reduced, with NR increased confidence. NR no longer requires support to contact Housing NSW to undertake maintenance issues. NR is engaging with general health services, such as a GP. Has reduced her cannabis use dramatically. Nikki's living skills have improved. Having new furnishings have made her want to maintain her home and keep things clean.