Twice as many young people have received Aftercare across Australia in the first twelve months of Youth Network.
Aftercare is an evidence-based six-month wraparound support program to help young people transition safely back in the community after completing residential treatment programs. This vital program helps break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction and connects more young people with community, housing, education and employment pathways.
Youth Network, an initiative by Sir David Martin Foundation, is an expansion of Aftercare which was driven by high demand and unmet need to help vulnerable young people with drug and alcohol addiction.
Thanks to our generous donors and in partnership with Mission Australia, we expanded Aftercare nationally to four youth Residential Rehabilitation sites in Perth, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Batemans Bay.
Results in the first 12 months from this expansion include:
- Doubled the number of young people receiving Aftercare from 80 to 161 across all locations
- Broadened the intake age range from 16-24 to 12-24
- Higher representation of LGBTQI+ and Indigenous young people (now 28%)
All the young people we supported in the first 12 months continue to make real and lasting change – majority have reported a reduction in chronic substance misuse, 62% showed a reduction in mental health concerns, 89% had access to safe and stable housing and 68% were engaged with education or employment pathways.
An independent evaluator is working across all sites to assess the impact and efficacy of the network over a three-year period.
Results: January 2023 – December 2023
Number of young people helped
- Youth Network has doubled the number of young people receiving Aftercare from 80 to 161 young people across five locations.
Improved health and wellbeing
- The majority of young people reported reduced or no use of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, opiates or cocaine.
- 62% of young people reported reduced mental health concerns.
Safe and stable housing
- 89% of young people reported that they had access to safe and stable housing.
Education and employment
- 68% of young people were engaged with education or employment pathways.
Sir David Martin Foundation thanks Mission Australia, our service partner. Mission Australia owns and runs Triple Care Farm and delivers the Aftercare programs for Youth Network.
*Mission Australia ceased providing residential services in Coffs Harbour at Junaa Buwa! after 12 years, in June 2023, due to a change in Government contract, and were therefore only a part of the Youth Network for the first 6 months.
