Audio: West Australia’s Youth Mental Health Service and NGO Homeless Accommodation Partnership

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By March 5, 2020 No Comments

Authors: Joe Falkner

Year: 2020

Event: 2020 Summer Forum

Subject: homelessness, housing,

Type of resource: Audio

Abstract: Mental health disorders are more prevalent among homeless young people than among the general youth population. Poor mental health is identified as both a factor for, and a consequence of youth homelessness.

As a response to this increased rate of mental health disorders in homeless youth, the role of Youth Accommodation Liaison, Clinical Nurse Specialists (YAL, CNS) was established in 2017. The YAL, CNS works in partnership with Youth Crisis Accommodation Services and provides an integrated service model to support homeless young people with mental health issues and co-occurring drug and alcohol issues.

Young People who access the service are:

  • Provided with a comprehensive assessment and treatment package that will address presenting mental health symptomatology and substance misuse issues;
  • Supported in accessing existing mental health services, including Community Support Services and Clinical Services;
  • Improving the Youth Accommodation Services in managing young people with mental health and co-occurring Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) issues;
  • Providing Youth Accommodation Services a link to mainstream mental health services in order to better inform their practice and thereby improve outcomes for the young people who reside at their facilities.

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