CareSouth’s Shoalhaven Youth Support Service (SYSS) provides outreach and residential support to young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. Based in the Shoalhaven, young people accessing these supports are supported by trauma-informed staff and equipped with the tools to build resilience, independence and feel empowered to achieve their goals.
The SYSS outreach program
Our outreach program offers early intervention support (up to 3 months) to help young people address current challenges before they escalate. Whether a young person is having difficulty with their current living arrangements, feeling isolated, or exploring their identify, SYSS works alongside each young person, and their family when able, to minimise the risk of homelessness.
The preventative approach engages local schools and community groups to educate and implement appropriate supports to reduce the risk of young people experiencing homelessness.
The SYSS residential program
Our residential program provides emergency accommodation (up to 12 weeks) for young people experiencing homelessness. Individuals can access a self-contained, one-bedroom unit which is managed 24/7 by caseworkers and after-hours staff.
During this time, young people and caseworkers work together to develop a case plan. This involves identifying goals and steps to achieve them such as securing employment or rental accommodation. A further 3 months of outreach support is available to young people following the 12 weeks of emergency accommodation to give them every chance of succeeding on their own.
What is case management?
Case management is a collaborative process that engages caseworkers and young people to help meet an individual’s goals.
What is a case plan?
Case plans are individualised, dynamic documents that outline specific goals, actions, and responsibilities required to meet identified goals. Created alongside a caseworker, each plan helps map the way forward and can be adjusted to meet the changing needs and circumstances of the individual.
What does case management at SYSS help achieve?
SYSS supports young people achieve goals such as:
- Identifying a reliable source of income
- Securing employment
- Accessing legal networks, health and medical advice, and other referral services
- Completing training or education
- Finding safe and stable accommodation
- Building life skills such as cooking, cleaning, basic budgeting, self-care, self-regulation, and safety
- Accessing specialised services such as mental health or drug and alcohol support
Meet Dru – former SYSS young person
Former SYSS client, Dru, was in hospital for four months with significant physical injuries. He did not have access to accommodation when he was discharged, so the hospital social worker referred him to SYSS. It was a choice that changed his life.
“I met some really special people at SYSS,” said Dru.
“They created a safe, supportive space for me to recover, and the healing effect that had on me, both physically and mentally, was incredible.
“SYSS is tailored to meet the needs of young people,” said Dru.
Staff taught Dru how to shop, budget, cook, clean and apply for rentals and jobs. “The whole service is created to give you a voice,” said Dru. “That’s so empowering. The staff’s mentoring, motivation and connection helped me set myself up with future accommodation and work. SYSS staff didn’t just provide housing; they made me feel at home.”
Fast forward two years, Dru has stable housing in a private rental and a job he loves as a youth support worker. “It doesn’t feel like a job; I feel really privileged,” said Dru. “I get to build the same connections and rapport with the kids I work with, just like the SYSS staff did for me.”
How can I access support?
For further information or to access support, call the CareSouth SYSS team directly on 4422 7625 or CareSouth customer care on 1300 554 260. If you would prefer CareSouth contacts you, fill in the form below or email our team at SYSS@caresouth.org.au.