The Amplify Program: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Youth
In Australia, countless children and teenagers face the harsh reality of homelessness, often fleeing from the shadows of domestic violence. One such case is that of Lala*, a young girl who, at just 14 years old, felt that staying at home was no longer an option. “I stayed out very late, I got into very much trouble and was on the streets,” she reflects. Lala’s journey highlights a significant issue: the inadequacy of existing support systems for minors escaping domestic violence.
The Challenge: Gaps in Support Services
While many domestic violence programs exist, they are predominantly tailored to adult women and their children. This leaves teenagers like Lala to fend for themselves, often falling through the cracks of the support system. With over 13,000 youth seeking help from homelessness services in 2023-24, a staggering number—over a third—are escaping family and domestic violence. Unfortunately, many of them don’t receive adequate support, leading to severe consequences, including tragically high rates of child deaths linked to inadequate services.
Introducing the Amplify Program
In response to these challenges, Melbourne City Mission launched the Amplify program, designed specifically for teenagers aged 15 to 19 who are experiencing homelessness due to family violence. The program aims to provide the necessary support and understanding that these young individuals need, facilitating a pathway to safety and stability.
Peer Support: A Unique Approach
One standout feature of the Amplify program is its use of peer workers—youth who have themselves experienced the tumult of family violence. Lala emphasizes the importance of being understood, noting, “Being understood is the same as when I turned to the streets looking for family and community; I received that in the Amplify program.” This peer-driven approach fosters a sense of belonging and connection, crucial for young people grappling with their trauma.
Addressing the Needs of All Youth
While many participants are girls and gender-diverse individuals, the Amplify program also caters to teenage boys and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often find themselves overlooked by traditional services. Shorna Moore, Head of Policy at Melbourne City Mission, highlights the urgent need for specialized support that encompasses all youth facing homelessness and domestic violence.
A Call to Action: Government Support Needed
Despite the success of the Amplify program, the demand continues to outstrip available resources. In 2024, Melbourne City Mission, along with various housing and homelessness organizations, initiated the Home Time campaign, urging the federal government to provide 15,000 dedicated tenancies for vulnerable young people. This effort is crucial in addressing the significant gap in housing support for youth aged 16-24.
Recognizing Young Victims
Micaela Cronin, the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, advocates for recognizing young people as victims in their own right, separate from their parents or caregivers. This perspective underscores the importance of programs like Amplify that are tailored to the specific needs of adolescents.
Evaluation and Future Directions
Recent evaluations by RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice reveal that the Amplify program not only fills an urgent gap but can also serve as a model for other services. Elena Campbell, Associate Director of the Centre, states, “We need to design programs that work specifically with young people and their unique experiences.” This tailored approach ensures that young individuals are not only heard but also supported effectively.
A Blueprint for Success
The Amplify program exemplifies how dedicated initiatives can make a difference in the lives of homeless teenagers facing domestic violence. By focusing on peer support, specialized resources, and a youth-centered approach, it sets a benchmark for future programs aimed at addressing these critical issues. As society continues to grapple with the challenges faced by vulnerable youth, the lessons learned from Amplify will be invaluable in shaping a more supportive landscape for those in need.
