Safe housing key to reducing youth justice involvement, new report finds.

A new report from Kids Under Cover and Swinburne University of Technology shows that stable, supported housing can reduce risk behaviours and help prevent deeper involvement in the justice system while supporting young people to re-engage with education, training and work. 

The report, Giving them a chance, highlights the impact of early intervention through the Kids Under Cover Studio Program, providing young people involved with the justice system with a safe, independent space to live.

“Our findings show that when young people have a space where they feel safe and a sense of belonging, they are far more likely to make positive decisions about their future,” said Dr Joel McGregor Senior Lecturer, Criminology.

“There is a strong sense that the Kids Under Cover studio program works. We saw previously disengaged young people reconnect with education, work, and with their families – however, it works best when paired with the right support services around it.”

Since its rollout, the Kids Under Cover Studio Program has delivered 84 relocatable studios to 124 young people aged 12–25 involved with the youth justice system.

Kids Under Cover CEO Stephen Nash said the findings reinforce the importance of investing in prevention.

“What this research shows is simple – when young people have a safe, stable place to live, everything changes. Early intervention can shift the trajectory of a young person’s life, but right now we’re only meeting a fraction of the demand.”

Without access to stable housing, that opportunity for change is significantly limited.

“Without stable housing, it becomes almost impossible for young people to engage in education, employment, or support services,” said Dr Piret Veeroja, Research Fellow, Swinburne University.

“Our research shows that the Kids Under Cover studio program is a practical, scalable solution to break cycles of disadvantage, homelessness and justice system involvement.”

Youth homelessness and justice involvement are deeply interconnected, with housing instability both a cause and consequence of contact with the justice system. As governments respond to youth crime and housing pressures, Kids Under Cover is urging greater investment in early intervention solutions that provide safe housing and wrap-around support – delivering both social and economic returns before crisis point.

The studio model offers a unique, practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional housing approaches – with relocatable studios that can be deployed quickly where they’re needed most. Costing under $100,000, compared to more than $400,000 for traditional builds, the studios not only deliver value for money but better outcomes.

“We know early intervention works. But right now, demand far exceeds what we can provide. Without greater investment in prevention, too many young people will continue to fall through the cracks.” Mr Nash said.