Understanding the Crisis of Homeless Teens in Australia
Every night in Australia, thousands of children find themselves homeless without any adult to care for them. Among them is Lala*, a 14-year-old who faced the harsh realities of life on the streets. She recalls, “I stayed out very late, I got into very much trouble… staying at home was not an option.” For many teenagers like Lala, the traditional support systems fail to provide them the specific help they need, especially in cases of domestic violence.
The Need for Specialized Programs
In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that existing domestic violence programs primarily cater to adult women and their children, leaving teenagers who are on their own in a precarious position. While youth homelessness services exist, they often lack specialized support for those escaping family violence. This gap in the system makes it challenging for young individuals to find a safe pathway away from their traumatic backgrounds.
Introducing Amplify: A Lifeline for Teens
At 17, Lala found herself in a life-changing program called Amplify, initiated by Melbourne City Mission. This program specifically addresses the needs of teenagers aged 15 to 19 who are experiencing homelessness due to family violence. Key to this initiative is the involvement of peer workers—young individuals who have endured similar challenges. Lala describes her experience with Amplify: “Being understood… I received that in the Amplify program.” This feeling of shared understanding is crucial for young people seeking support.
Filling an Urgent Gap
An evaluation by RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice has highlighted how Amplify not only fills a significant gap but also sets a potential blueprint for similar services. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that over 13,000 young people sought help from homelessness services in 2023-24, with a significant portion escaping domestic violence. The study revealed that more than 500 children who received support from specialist homelessness services between 2013 and 2023 had died, accounting for one in 13 child deaths in Australia. Shorna Moore, Head of Policy at Melbourne City Mission, emphasizes that specialized programs like Amplify are essential in addressing this alarming trend.
Addressing Unique Challenges
The statistics paint a grim picture, but programs like Amplify offer a glimmer of hope. Notably, the majority of participants are girls and gender-diverse individuals, while teenage boys, who often can’t find refuge in family violence shelters, also find valuable support. Moore notes that the system has historically been tailored for women, leaving many young males and LGBTQ+ youth without adequate resources.
Advocating for Change and Support
The need for such programs is more pressing than ever. In 2024, Melbourne City Mission joined efforts through the Home Time campaign, urging the federal government to provide secure housing for young people. The initiative aims to secure 15,000 dedicated tenancies for youth aged 16-24, highlighting a pressing need for systemic change.
Recognizing Young Victims of Domestic Violence
Micaela Cronin, the Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Commissioner, insists on recognizing children as victims in their own right. The Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence echoes this sentiment, urging a redesign of services to genuinely address the unique needs of young victims. Elena Campbell, Associate Director of RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice, underscores the importance of tailored programs like Amplify. She warns that one-size-fits-all approaches can worsen the dangers these teens face, especially if they are sent back to homes that pose a greater risk than street life.
The Way Forward: Collaboration and Resources
The evaluation of Amplify reveals its potential to guide other services in improving their support for young people facing domestic violence and homelessness. Campbell emphasizes that scaling such programs doesn’t necessarily require a completely new workforce but rather dedicated funding and training for existing staff to become youth-informed. By recognizing and addressing the specialized needs of this vulnerable population, we can build a brighter future for young Australians escaping the cycle of violence and homelessness.
