A New Place to Call Home

‘A New Place to Call Home’ – Kids Under Cover Long-Term Studio Impact Report, led by Dr Paul Stolz of Swinburne University of Technology, sought to confirm whether the long-term impacts of Kids Under Cover’s Studio Program aligned with the claimed benefits of the program. 

The researchers conducted interviews with 35 young people and their families who have received a Kids Under Cover studio and who are at various stages in the program.

The consensus among the young people interviewed was the Kids Under Cover studio had had significant positive effects on their lives, specifically in terms of

  • family relations
  • physical and mental health
  • social and educational development, and
  • employment opportunities and aspirations

Most significantly, this research confirmed the effectiveness of Kids Under Cover’s Studio Program in preventing youth homelessness.

At a time where around a quarter of Australia’s growing homeless population are aged between 12 and 24 years, this report highlights the importance of early intervention and prevention in addressing the youth homelessness crisis in Australia.

 


View the full report here

View the Executive Summary here

View the Key Messages here
     

Watch Jo Swift, Kids Under Cover CEO, introduce the report.

Watch Paul Stolz, Researcher, speak about the report and its findings.

Watch Cathy Humphrey, Council to Homeless Persons Chair and Sacred Heart Mission CEO, speaking about the report’s impact on the sector.

Words from the Researcher

“The research confirmed that the Kids Under Cover Studio Program reverses these destructive forces by providing a clear re-establishment of the physical and symbolic elements of home. A young person’s progress over the longer-term for educational re-engagement, identity development, sense of belonging and attachment, job aspirations, and independence are linked to secure accommodation.”- Dr Paul Stolz

Read the Full Report