Kids Under Cover and the Authority have teamed up to help young people who are living in public housing - and may be at risk of homelessness - to remain at home by providing additional on-site studio accommodation.
The Kids Under Cover Studio Program has been expanded to include families in public housing within the SA Housing Authority's northern Adelaide region. This area covers the northern metropolitan area; the Barossa Valley and Gawler Belt regions, to Two Wells in the northeast, Allendale in the North and to Springton and Eden Valley in the northwest regional areas.
It is estimated 64 young people will be assisted.
The studio program can act as a pressure valve in households that need extra room for breathing space where there may be family tensions and conflicts. Under the program, studios are placed in the backyard of a family member or carer and provide safe and secure housing for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
By intervening early, the studios prevent young people from becoming homeless by alleviating pressures that can lead to homelessness such as family breakdown, overcrowding and other challenges.
Expansion of the program to include families living in public housing will ensure that vulnerable young people at greatest risk receive the support they need to avoid homelessness and maintain important family relationships.
The one or two-bedroom studios, with ensuite bathroom provide medium to long-term accommodation. Families also have access to other support services as needed.
Kids Under Cover also provide a scholarship worth around $1000 to each young person housed to help encourage engagement in education and training.
The SA Housing Authority provides funding of $2.3 million, to Kids Under Cover to deliver 42 studios. So far, 12 studios have been placed to help prevent young people from becoming homeless.
The former Liberal Government announced a Homelessness Prevention Fund in 2019 but, by February 2021, services were complaining they hadn't received any response to tender applications.
Eventually, Kids Under Cover received funding under this initiative but only one studio had been installed by the 2022 election. This is why we have made considerable changes to increase the speed of delivery and expand the type of homes where studios can be placed.
As put by Human Services Minster Nat Cook
These studios give young people their own space, all within arm's reach of their carers. They give young people and their families much needed breathing space while they negotiate a situation that might lead young people to leave home before they are ready to.
If we can take the pressure off, it can mean all the difference to a young person and their family.
Any support we can give to families under pressure is critical – this is why we have changed the parameters of the Kids Under Cover program.
As put by Mary Patetsos AM, SA Housing Authority
The reasons why young people experience homelessness are vast and complex, but it's rarely by choice. In many cases, their home life might be impacted by poverty, neglect, unemployment, substance abuse and health issues.
If we can provide some breathing space for a young person and for a family, with supports in place, it can mean a huge difference and create better outcomes.
As put by Stephen Nash, CEO Kids Under Cover
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to extend the impact that our studios have for vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness. We look forward to working with the South Australian Housing Authority to expand the program and ultimately provide a brighter future for many young people in need.
Kids Under Cover, Head of Communications
Kealey Nutt, 03 9107 4322
