Launchpad Youth Community Information

Launchpad Youth Community (formerly Erskinevilla Youth Housing Inc.) is currently in its 25th year of operation. The service was originally established in 1985. The service was incorporated as an independent housing organisation in November 1995, after having run for the first ten years under the auspice of South West Inner Sydney Housing (SWISH) Co-op Ltd. Since this time the service has continued to offer medium to long term accommodation for young people aged from 16 to 25 years of age. Launchpad Youth Community was recently successful in tendering for two SHS service packages in Sydney. he Sydney District Young Parents Program, is a partnership with Good Shephered and YWCA, and the Sydney Youth Homelessness Hub is a partnership with WEAVE Youth Services and the Ted Noffs Foundation. Both of these projects aim to support young people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness. After the release of the Federal Government's new policy directions to reduce homelessness (also known as "The White Paper") the Launchpad Board are determined to pursue a new service model. This model aligns with the goals and directions of the plans, in particular moving towards "prevention" and "early intervention based services". The model aims to utilise the service's existing resource base to reduce homelessness for young people through the provision of a client centered case management framework. The change has been generated by the Management Committee to achieve better pathways and outcomes for young people. The central objective for the proposed service model is to provide a comprehensive set of services that are flexible and client focused, to respond sensitively and appropriately. The model aims to deliver services in a manner that are respectful to the young people's individual needs and cultural identity. This will occur through a comprehensive assessment and case management model that builds the capacity of the young person to build their skills, knowledge and confidence, and to live independently ...