Michael Ferguson, Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing,
New, safe, supported accommodation for children at risk in the North will be delivered by experienced youth service provider, Youth, Family and Community Connections (YFCC).
I am very pleased to announce that YFCC is the preferred provider for the $4.6 million contract to establish and operate the new service for a five-year period.
It is terrific progress towards establishing the new service that will support up to eight children aged 12-15 years old, and it is so timely that we are able to announce this important progress on World Homelessness Day.
World Homelessness Day is a day where we are all asked to bring our attention to those experiencing homelessness in local and global communities and to encourage everyone to help address homelessness.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government, under the Affordable Housing Action Plan 2 and the Youth at Risk Strategy, has prioritised care accommodation for unaccompanied children who are homeless.
YFCC will work to help stabilise children in crisis and provide support to engage with education, develop living skills, facilitate community connections, and reunify families wherever possible.
The Tasmanian Government invests over $33 million each year in specialist homelessness services including nine dedicated shelters providing over 60 beds for young people state-wide.
YFCC is currently funded to deliver youth crisis accommodation and medium term supported accommodation to children and young people aged 13 – 20 years in Devonport and Burnie.
A central Launceston property will be refurbished to provide eight residential single-bedroom units, common use and recreational areas for young residents, and on-site staff amenities.
RTC Facilities and Maintenance was awarded the $2.3 million design and construction contract for the service.
A development application has been lodged with Launceston City Council and works will commence shortly subject to approval.
