In February 2002, the Victorian Government released the final report of the Victorian Homelessness Strategy (VHS) ‘Directions for Change’. This report outlined a range of a preventative and early intervention strategies to tackle homelessness as well as improving the homelessness service system.
Through the VHS, the Victorian Government has committed to the development of a Youth Homelessness Action Plan (YHAP) to ensure the current housing and support needs of homeless young people aged 25 years under are being met.
The Youth Employment Education and Training Initiative (YEETI) is a new initiative under the YHAP aimed at strengthening planned pathways to independence through engagement in education, employment and training and strengthening integration between homelessness services and employment education and training programs at a strategic level.
Melbourne Citymission (MCM) has been appointed to deliver the YEETI. MCM will utilise its extensive program delivery, networks and cross-sector partnerships, policy development and research to work with youth homelessness service providers and related stakeholders to successfully deliver the YEETI to homeless young people across Victoria.
Vision
To enable homeless young people to participate in education, employment and training to promote access to long-term housing and provide a sustainable pathway out of homelessness through improved integration of education and employment goals in homelessness programs, both at a case planning level and also at a more strategic level.
Mission
The YEETI will assist young people aged 15 – 25 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and have a long-term history of difficulties in education, employment or accommodation to overcome multiple barriers preventing them from participating in such opportunities. The project will enable young people to successfully transition from the HSS to independence where they can participate fully in, and benefit from, the social and economic advantages of being an active member of the community.
Objective
From February 2005 to June 30 2007, homelessness services across Victoria will be able access a total of $591,667 in brokerage funds per year to support homeless young people into employment, education and training pathways.
The YEETI will deliver this via:
• Promotion of YEETI package availability and eligibility to the State-wide Homelessness service system
• Distribution of YEETI application package including guidelines, application and evaluation form and relevant pathways information
• Resourcing and supporting homelessness service providers regarding purchase options and caseplan approach as part of the YEETI application
• Establishment and operation of the YEETI panel.
• Allocation of YEETI packages as determined by the panel
• Facilitation of appeals process as required
• Monitoring the implementation and of the YEETI packages
• Data collection as determined by the Department of Human Services
• Liaison with relevant levels of government, and key stakeholders regarding YEETI outcomes
• Resourcing best practice forums and policy development initiatives
• Participation in an evaluation of the YEETI in partnership with the Department of Human Services
Overview Of Melbourne Citymission (MCM)
Melbourne Citymission is widely recognised within the community services sector as a leader and innovator in the provision of support services within the community. The organization provides assistance to over 18,000 Victorians across fifty programs in six key service areas consisting of
• Youth Homelessness,
• Employment Education and Training,
• Children,
• Youth,
• Adult and Family,
• Disability, Palliative Care,
• Aged Care.
The services are delivered in the Central, North East, North West, and Western areas of Melbourne with some services having statewide coverage.
