The Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) identifies accompanied children and young people in priority refuges who require specialist support because they have experienced or are experiencing domestic and family violence and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

The evaluation was guided by eight key evaluation questions relating to service participant characteristics, identified needs and outcomes, local service availability, exit plans and referral pathways, and service outcomes. It shows the SWCYP service is achieving positive outcomes for children and young people and their families. 

Key recommendations

• The Department should work to secure sustainable funding to continue to expand SWCYP to other women’s refuges that provide support to CYP and to evaluate implementation and outcomes.
• Allow funds to be used for brokerage for school-associated costs (e.g. school uniforms, excursions), and health and mental health specialist services, and for services based in regional locations.
• Establish what type of outcomes SWCYP funding is expected to achieve and develop a program/role logic as the basis for future evaluation.