The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and the Department of Health (DH) have a number of programs and initiatives to support and assist young people who are experiencing difficulties, such as not having stable accommodation, dealing with the police, or problems with drugs or alcohol.
The following support programs are available for young Victorians:
- the Finding Solutions program - supports young people and families to avoid family breakdown and entry into the child protection system.
- Adolescent Support Program - supports young people known to Child Protection to live at home or independently.
- adolescent family violence service - aims to reduce family violence and increase the safety of all impacted family members.
- youth mental health services - a range of programs to support youth mental health.
- Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) - supports youth experiencing alcohol and substance use and mental health issues.
- drug services for young people - a range of youth-specific alcohol and other drug treatment programs.
If you feel like you need to talk to someone straight away, you can always call Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.