Kids Under Cover Studio Program

 

We respond to the needs of young people who are at risk of becoming homeless due to extreme conflict or overcrowding within the family home. Other issues which may intensify the need for our services include mental health, disability, illicit drugs and alcohol and the housing affordability crisis.

Unfortunately the need is growing, with more families reaching crisis stage than ever before.

Our response is simple. We offer one or two bedroom, fully demountable studios with bathroom constructed on the grounds of the family/carer's home. This unique accommodation allows families to stay connected, giving them extra room to live and providing the young person with a safe, secure and stable environment to grow into healthy adulthood. Kids Under Cover focuses on early identification of issues and prevention of youth homelessness, creating a proactive rather than reactive approach to this very complex issue.

Our Community Service Organisation (CSO) members work directly with the families and young people to identify situations where a Kids Under Cover Studio, combined with existing support, will be the most effective solution to the challenges the family face. The member organisation applies on behalf of the family and we aim to deliver the studio within 3 months of the application.

After completion, Kids Under Cover is responsible for any ongoing maintenance of the Studio. When the studio is no longer needed by the family, it is dismantled and moved to another family in need. Studios last approximately 15 years and can be relocated up to four times.

 

The Kids Under Cover Studio Program:


• Started in 1993, and has since housed over 2500 young people

• Over 450 studio projects nationally

• 448 young people accommodated in 2010/11, average age 16-18 years

 

Impact of the Kids Under Cover Studio Program:


• Improved independent living skills

• Enhanced educational opportunities

• Increased physical space in the household

• Increased or sustained carer/s capacity to
foster

• Reduced risk of homelessness

• Improved self esteem and quality of life

• Improved relations with parents and
siblings

• Improved behaviour

• Assists in family unification

• Provides a homelike, secure environment

• Provides respite to both carer and to young
person