One in four rough-sleeping teens cycle through emergency wards
Dozens of Victoria's leading community groups are asking for government money. They want it for supported housing and mental health help.
More than 20 youth, mental health and housing services signed an open letter. The signers ask Victoria's parties to make youth homelessness a priority before the November 28 election.
The letter warns that young people cycle dangerously between hospital emergency rooms, crisis shelters, and rough sleeping. One in four young people sleeping rough needed six or more hospital visits in the past year.
Mental health service Orygen and Melbourne City Mission led the group. They say the housing and health systems left at-risk teenagers stuck between them.
The signers are asking the next government to commit to funded support housing for 16 to 26-year-olds. It must reach all regions with a clear timeline and ways to check progress.
- 16 to 26 years old
- Target age group
- November 28
- Election date
Why it mattersYoung people trapped in this cycle face worsening mental health, suicide risk and substance abuse.
AustraliaVictoria's government will need to fund and build new supported housing if it takes up this pledge, a significant expense that affects how resources are allocated.
