1. NEPEAN YOUTH ACCOMMODATION SERVICES Young Parents Program

2. Contents ● Nepean Youth Accommodation Services- SAAP ● Young Parents Program ● Aims ● Targets ● Components: i. Case Management ii. Accommodation iii. Groups iv. In Home Parenting Programs Future plans/goals

3. Nepean Youth Accommodation Services: what we do... Penrith Youth Refuge 24 hr crisis short term, supported accommodation for young people 14 – 17 yrs with an emphasis on family restoration Independent Living Units Medium-term housing (9mths – 12mths) Assistance to obtain & maintain independent housing (Community Housing units and bed-sitters. For single young people, parents and families 16 – 25 yrs (units) Intensive Support Services Mid to long term residential and case management support for young people with a range of complex needs Housing First (Rough Sleepers): Housing first perspective providing Assistance to ten high needs young people with complex needs

4. Outreach Support Short-term case management aged 16 to 25 years Nepean Collage Educational Support Program: A range of pre vocational courses, living skills and art based programs and financial counselling. YOUNG PARENTS PROGRAM: Incorporating Supported Accommodation Assisted Programs (SAAP) with Brighter Futures. Willow Tree Medium-term housing (3mths – 12mths) in Semi-supported accommodation for young women 16 - 19 yrs who are pregnant or with new born babies Nepean Youth Accommodation Services: what we do...

5. Young Parents Program What is the Young Parents Program? Was developed as a response to the joining of SAAP services and Brighter Futures in the Nepean area. Designed to be child focused and specifically tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable young parents up to the age of 25 years.

6. Young Parents Program The aims of the YPP are: To promote healthy development in children To promote strong functional and well supported families To reduce and prevent child abuse and neglect in participating families To prevent homelessness To provide practical day to day programs for new parents.

7. Key Service Components The Program provides families with access to:  Early intervention case management  Access to accommodation options  Parenting programs, in home and also groups, including supported playgroups  Access to quality children services

8. Young Parents Program Case Management:  Parents under 25 years  Limited Parenting Skills  History of Child Protection Involvement  Drug and Alcohol Issues  Homelessness/unsuitable/unstable housing  Lack of Family Support  Domestic Violence  Mental Health Issues  Child Behaviour Management Issues

9. Young Parent Program 3 Main Components:  Home Visiting  Parenting Programs  Quality Children’s Services

10. Young Parents Program Accommodation:  Willow Tree: 3 beds  Independent transitional units: 7 units, 1 house  Head Lease: 2 homes, looking to expand

11. Young Parents Program Groups: Parenting Groups Antenatal Groups Supported Play Groups

12. Young Parents Program In Home parenting: Parents as Teachers: PAT From conception to Kindergarten support a parent’s role in promoting school readiness and healthy development of children approach is relationship-based customized for the individual needs of each family and child evidenced-based research in order to offer the most relevant information and tools to early childhood development and education providers

13. In Home Parenting cont: 1, 2, 3 Magic Developed by psychologist Thomas Phelan Simple steps for managing children's behaviour via time out approach Encourages parents to analyse their own behaviours and emotions throughout the process educates parents about being consistent with consequences What are age appropriate consequences Follow up from Groups: Continuum of care, from group to home and vice versa

14. Young Parents Program Future directions:  Good Weekend Project  Living skills group: Cooking  PAT group: Willow Tree (from Conception to Birth to child at 6 months)

15. Young Parents Program In conclusion:  YPP services 60 families in group settings  At any one time, 25 families are receiving on going case management and in home parenting support  Quicker and effective response to child protection concerns  Only 2 families over two year span have crossed over to child protection  Development of new groups due to need and demand have created effective community partnerships and greater access to resources in the community for these young families

16. Questions…? For further information about Young Parents Program NYAS please contact: Jessica Punch or Maria Murialdo: 4720 3700 For referral to Brighter Futures please contact the DoCS Helpline 133 627