The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to delivering better outcomes for young people under 16 who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness alone in our community.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, and Minister for Housing and Construction, Nic Street, officially launched the Under 16 Lighthouse Project on Tuesday.
Minister Jaensch said the Government was helping to keep young people aged 12-15 safe by delivering on its $10 million election commitment to pilot new responses to homelessness for this vulnerable cohort.
“Over the past six months we have worked closely with Mission Australia to provide this important wraparound service for young people, delivering a Therapeutic Residential Model of Care pilot program,” Minister Jaensch said.
“We will also be providing young people who use this service with intensive support to address their wellbeing needs.”
The Under 16 Lighthouse Project progresses key recommendations made by the Under 16 Homelessness Taskforce.
The Service will be delivered in the South and is expected to accommodate up to five young people at once.
Minister Street said Homes Tasmania provided the site and completed the renovation for the non-crisis, medium to longer term transitional care and accommodation service.
“This is another important initiative in our suite of wraparound services for Tasmanians experiencing homelessness,” Minister Street said.
“Our Government is delivering the services that matter to Tasmanians.”
For referrals to the service, contact the Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line: 1800 000 123.
