Impact on Young People
Finding out about what works well and what needs to improve is vital for successful and sustained program delivery.
Our annual Impact Survey is an important data-gathering exercise that enables us to ascertain the occupancy rate and overall effectiveness of our studio and house programs.
Caseworkers from our Community Service Organisations complete the survey online, or by phone interview with our Program Research Coordinator.
After three years of surveys, we are now able to compare the results and analyse trends to help us plan ahead to meet demand and the changing needs of the young people we assist.
Impact Survey Results 2009 - Studio Program
|
|
% of Studio recipients | |
| OUTCOME | Explanation | |
| Improved family relationships/maintained family unit |
76% |
One of the key reasons for youth homelessness is family breakdown. Family breakdown can occur because of stress and tension in the home due to lack of space. Cramped living conditions combined with other issues can cause breakdown and result in either foster placement breakdown or a young person leaving home prematurely. |
| Increased or sustained the carer's capacity to care for the young person |
67% |
The more we can help carers in their role, the better it will be for children and young people who need a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow. |
| Reduced risk of homelessness |
66% |
The studio can be an important party of an early intervention stategy to prevent homelessness. |
| Improved independent living skills |
56% |
The studio program plays a key role in supporting young people to develop the necessary life skills to enable them to eventually live confidently and safely in private rental housing. |
| Assisted young people to stay in education |
42% |
|
| Improved self esteem |
58% |
A sense of self-worth and connection is important for a young person |
Impact Survey Results 2009 - House Program
The Kids Under Cover 2009 impact surveys reported the House Program offers the following benefits to homeless and at risk young people:
• Respite for young people
• Opportunity for family to rebuild relationships
• Stable long-term accommodation option for young people unable to reside with family
• Opportunity to parent successfully in a warm, homely environment
• Safe, semi-independent living arrangement supported by the Community Service Organisation
• Flexibility to house different groups of clients for short and long periods
• Safe place for the kids to live and study which enables them to stay at school and finish their education
• Means to accommodate young people in crisis preventing youth homelessness
