Studio frequently asked questions

Studios support young people at risk of homelessness, families at risk of breakdown, and carers seeking more room to accommodate young people in their care.

Each studio provides a stable space for a young person to grow and study, while keeping them connected to their family and reducing the risk of them being forced to leave home prematurely.

We build one or two-bedroom studios (with bathroom) in the backyards of homes to keep young people connected to family.

Studios provide safe and secure accommodation, give additional room for the family and coupled with a scholarship young people are given the skills to become independent adults.

For young people and families, you can’t apply directly to Kids Under Cover for a studio. Applications for studios must be made through Community Service Organisations (CSOs).

These organisations may already be working with families and young people on a number of issues. The case worker then applies to Kids Under Cover on behalf of the young person.

If you are not already in contact with a CSO, have a look at this list for an appropriate organisation for you. www.kuc.org.au/get-support/community-service-organisation-partners/

Community Service Organisations (CSOs) are committed to delivering high quality services for children and families. A CSO usually provides childcare services, support services for families, programs for youth, aged care programs, support for children with a disability, and women's accommodation.

Kids Under Cover works with more than 60 Community Service Organisations (CSOs) in Australia. These organisations may already be working with families and young people on a number of issues, such as substance abuse, child protection or domestic violence, and during this process the case worker identifies the young person or family in need of our service.

No, the DHHS Moveable Unit Program is a different program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. Movable units are available through public housing. They are mainly for older people and people with a disability or support needs so they can live independently. The units are self-contained and can be set up in the backyard of a friend or relative's home.

Find out about public housing movable units here www.housing.vic.gov.au/movable-units

To be eligible for a Kids Under Cover studio you must be aged between 12-25 years

Eligibility Criteria;

- Young person is already supported by a registered Community Service Organisation
- Demonstrated risk of homelessness
- Aged between 12-25 years

After the application is received from your CSO, Kids Under Cover will review it against the priority assessment criteria.

Your social worker will be notified of the outcome of the application.

Once the application is approved and funding has been allocated, Kids Under Cover will work in partnership with builders, local councils, the social worker and the family to start planning for the Studio installation. The time it takes from approval of application varies depending on many different factors, such as council approvals and build programs.

Once everything is in place building the studio onsite usually takes between 10-15 days.

There is no cost to the applicant or family. Kids Under Cover fund the build and installation of the studio through generous donations from individuals, trusts & foundations, and government support.

Kids Under Cover audit studios and pay for maintenance as a result of normal wear and tear. Any maintenance that is a result of wilful damage by the occupant or other individuals must be paid for by the family.

Unfortunately, no, you can apply for a Kids Under Cover Scholarship once the studio has been built and you are residing in it.

Our studio building activities in states other than Victoria have shown us, while similar positive outcomes can be achieved once a studio is in place, there are particular challenges interstate which need to be better considered and addressed. These include managing the differences in state and local government building and planning requirements; strengthening the relationships with local community service agencies to ensure efficient client referrals; and robust application assessment and review processes.

Kids Under Cover is reviewing how our studio model can be best-delivered interstate. The review will ensure a stronger and more efficient national expansion of Kids Under Cover activities in the future.