Early Intervention Youth Funding Announced

The Member for Solomon, David Tollner MP, today welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Community Services, Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, that Anglicare NT will share in a further $85 million in Australian Government Reconnect funding, over four years.

The funding supports 100 Reconnect service providers in urban, rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Australia.

In another measure to support youth and their families, 103 YouthLinx services around Australia have had their funding extended.

"Anglicare NT will receive funding of up to $627,704 in 2007-08 to continue their work with young people and their families, providing a range of activities, including counselling, group work, family mediation and practical support,” Mr Tollner said.

"This funding will allow Anglicare to deliver their valuable services to our community in the Darwin urban area, the Palmerston and Darwin rural area covered by Litchfield Shire and East Arnhem.”

Reconnect is an Australian Government initiative that provides early intervention support to young people aged between 12 and 18 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families. Reconnect also builds community capacity to address youth homelessness.

YouthLinx (formerly the Youth Activities Services (YAS) and Family Liaison Worker (FLW) program) is a prevention and early intervention program, established in 1990 to support young people aged 11-16 and their families. YouthLinx provides support and activities to build self-reliance and strengthen family relationships.

"This funding recognises the efforts and the effectiveness of Reconnect and YouthLinx services and the people who work in them who provide prevention and early intervention services and assist Australia's youth to remain connected to their families and communities,” Mr Tollner said.

2007-04-27