Highlights:

Between 2013-2016, the number of adolescents entering the Specialist Homelessness Service system in Geelong declined by 40 percent from a 10-year base line of 230 to a new post-TGP base line of about 100 cases.

106 young people presenting as homeless at the Youth Entry Point during 2016; only six were students from the three pilot schools; another 22 were early school leavers from the pilot schools who became homeless after leaving school; 80 percent of young clients came from other areas and schools. The three pilot schools were selected because about 60% of homeless youth seemed to come from these schools and their catchment areas.

On average, about 1.6 percent of students are highly at-risk of becoming homeless while another 4.3 percent are in situations where risk is indicated.

In total, following the AIAD in 2016, 185 students were screened and decisions made as to the level of support warranted in each case at that point in time in 2016.

Six months later, nine out of ten of these students (89%) were still living at home with their families; only six students from the pilot schools turned up at the Youth Entry Point seeking help for homelessness.

In 20 percent of cases, there was a significant improvement in the home situation, while for 70 percent, it remained stable; deterioration was evident in 3 percent (6) of cases.

Please note: an interview on RN Breakfast with report author, David Mackenzie, can be accessed here