Grant to keep children connected

MACKILLOP Family Services, in partnership with Barwon, Child, Youth and Family, will receive more than $1 million from the federal government over five years to support young people at risk of homelessness in the Geelong region.

Geelong Reconnect provides support services for young people aged between 12 to 18 years (up to 21 for those of a refugee background), who are thinking about leaving home or who have recently left home.

The program works closely with schools, community organisations and government departments to assist young people and their families in the early stages of family breakdown.

Reconnect supports families to resolve conflict and improve relationships through mediation, family work and practical support.

The program also works with Centrelink to provide a responsive service for young people applying for Youth Allowance.

Reconnect can advocate for service users to access community resources, such as income support through Centrelink, employment and education.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson announced the grant last week, and said Geelong Reconnect would provide support and assistance to young people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

“Geelong Reconnect will help stabilise the lives of vulnerable young people in Corangamite and the Geelong region by keeping them connected with their families, communities, and education or employment opportunities.

“The Turnbull Government’s long-term funding of Geelong Reconnect is enabling positive intervention before crisis occurs.

“The Turnbull Government has provided up to $117 million over five years to 102 Reconnect services across Australia, on top of an additional $375 million to frontline homelessness services over the three years from July 1.”