Walking Alongside Young People: Lara’s Role Supporting Young People Involved With Youth Justice
Lara, Youth Futures Housing Support Worker, works with young people aged 16 - 18 who are experiencing housing instability and are involved with the youth justice system. She currently supports 17 young people - most of whom identify as Aboriginal – including several young parents. Her role is to provide housing-focused support as young people move towards stability, independence and self-identified goals.
The Housing Support Worker – Corrective Juvenile (HSW-CJ) program supports young people in custody or in the community who don’t have access to safe, stable housing. The primary focus of the program is long term – to support young people in securing housing, building life skills and reducing interactions with the justice system – while creating a space for strong, sustainable futures.
Lara came to this program with a strong passion for social justice and a deep belief that all young people deserve opportunities, support and second chances. She is inspired every day by the strength and insight of the young people she works with. Her work is collaborative and safety-focused and she works with Youth Justice Officers and support services to build consistent, trusting relationships and provide continuity of support as young people transition between systems. Her work is also supported by a strong team, including Helaina Dunn, who previously held Lara’s role and is now the Homelessness and Support Services Coordinator.
One young person Lara has supported was navigating complex grief, a history of involvement with the justice system and housing instability at the time she became pregnant. Support included connecting with the Youth Futures NEST program, accessing transitional accommodation and linking in to parenting, community and NDIS supports. She is now working towards her learner’s permit, studying to improve her literacy and planning to enrol in an aged care course. Her baby is healthy and doing well. “I’m so proud of how far she has come” Lara says. “She’s taken the lead in building a safe and stable life for herself and her child”.
This young Mum reflected on what the support meant to her “I want to express how grateful I am for the amazing support I’ve gotten from my Housing Support Worker during a tough time in my life. Lara supported me through my pregnancy, came with me to appointments and helped with transport which saved me stressing about how I was going to get there. She gave me emotional support when I needed it which helped me feel less alone. We now have a stable place to live while we wait for a long-term home, which has really improved our quality of life. Lara has been kind, caring and patient - she actually shows up for me and puts in effort, which has made a huge difference. She has helped me feel more confident and stronger dealing with everything.”
When young people receive long-term housing, Lara helps make sure move-in day is a smooth and positive experience. These days are full of excitement and reflect a major step in the young person’s journey.
- The program provides practical, wraparound support including;
- Attending property viewings and assisting with offer paperwork
- Sourcing furniture and whitegoods through brokerage and community donations
- Helping transport and set up belongings
- Paying the initial two weeks rent, setting up utilities, completing the property condition report and updating addresses
- Ongoing tenancy support and support to build independent living skills
A big focus is ensuring young people are supported to lead these tasks themselves wherever possible, with guidance along the way. “We’re not here to take over,” Lara says. “We’re here to empower young people to feel confident to take the lead and to support them in building their own confidence and independence.”
As one young mum shared “Thank you so much for everything, you’ve been such a big help and I really appreciate it. You have helped me and my son make our house a home.”
Another young person shared how the support has made a meaningful difference "The program has been very helpful, especially with support for transport, food hampers and baby supplies. Lara has been very supportive and is there for us when we need something. I thank you so much, everything really has made a big impact on our lives.”
Even everyday goals like getting a learner’s permit can be complex. Many young people start the process without ID, a bank account or stable housing. Rebuilding documents to the required five points of ID to obtain a learner’s permit can be time-consuming and expensive. Further challenges like fines, prior vehicle offences or no fixed address can make it even harder. Lara works with each young person to navigate these systems at their pace. “We often start from scratch,” she says. “Young people are already putting in the effort, my role is to make sure they’re not doing it without support.” The HSW-CJ program meets young people where they’re at - providing consistent, practical support and strong advocacy.
“I love my job,” Lara says. “The young people I work with are resilient, motivated and determined. Sometimes, they just need someone to believe in them and walk alongside them while they work toward their goals.”
You can support their journey too.
Donate before June 30 to help Youth Futures provide housing and outreach programs for young people leaving the justice system.
Donate here: https://bit.ly/EOFY-Donate
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.