Reconnect Program

The Reconnect Program is a community-based early intervention and prevention program for young people aged 12 to 18 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families.

The aim of Reconnect is to prevent youth homelessness by intervening early with young people to stabilise and improve their housing situation and their level of engagement with family, education, training, employment, and their local community.

For immediate or emergency housing contact Victorian Homelessness Crisis Line on 1800 825 955 (24/7) or Western Metro Homelessness, for ages 16 to 24 years on 03 9313 4300 or 0438 501 918 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

 

Reconnect Program YouTube Video Transcript

I'm sick of fighting with my parents about stupid rules.

I'm really struggling with anxiety, so I haven't been gonna school much.

My parents are getting angry and worried they're gonna kick me out soon.

I am living with my grandparents right now because the constant fighting at home was really getting me down.

Sometimes it's scary how much their fight.

I can't believe I got kicked out last night just because I have a boyfriend.

I just walked around Melton most of the night.

Youth homelessness is an important thing to be aware of as it can happen to any young person.

It's important to understand that the more common forms of youth homelessness include not having your own home and staying at different people's houses, couch surfing.

Sometimes this could mean an overcrowded situations living in a temporary place.

This could mean living for a short time in a refuge or transitional housing, sleeping outside.

This could include living in a car, tent, or caravan.

It's important to understand that there are many reasons why young people can become homeless without a stable place to call home.

The following could be affected negatively, school or work finding a job, relationships due to conflict between you and your family or friends, or your health, not getting enough sleep, feeling stress and anxiety.

If you are experiencing this or you have friends or family who may be going through some of these things, there's help available from the Melton Reconnect Program.

The Melton Reconnect Program can assist young people age 12 to 18 with things like: 

  • Improving current living arrangements by helping improve your current relationships, 
  • supporting you to stay at school, 
  • engage in training, or help you look for alternative pathways,
  • practical support and living skills, 
  • providing support to improve health and wellbeing, and 
  • links to other services in the community.

A Reconnect program officer will work with you to decide what calls you would like to work on.

You can get in touch with the reconnect program via email on reconnect@melton.vic.gov au, or call 9747 7200 and ask to speak with someone from the reconnect team.

END

Watch the video on YouTube

 

How it works

The program provides one on one support, group work and practical support to the young person and the family, to help break the cycle of homelessness. It works with schools and a range of services to make sure all clients presenting to or being referred to Reconnect either receive assistance, or are directed to more appropriate services, such as specialised mental health services.

The program follows eight good practice principles to ensure effective service delivery of being client-centred, accessible, sustainable, relationship-based, collaborative, holistic, culturally and contextually competent and with ongoing review and evaluation.

 

Who is eligible

If you, or one of your friends are: 

  • aged between 12 and 18 years old
  • having problems at home or school
  • having issues with family or friends and
  • worried about getting kicked out of home or have recently left home  

If you are a young person under 16 years of age you will need your parents’ permission.

Please check the full eligibility criteria before completing the referral form.


Help as a professional

Types of interventions and strategies

Examples of approaches typically used by Reconnect workers include:

  • assessment and goal setting – one on one support
  • case management
  • referral
  • advocacy
  • group work at schools
  • outreach
  • practical support
  • brokerage
  • collaboration with other services (specialists, community stakeholders and networks)

Reconnect Group Work

The Reconnect program has delivered some of the following FREE workshops in a school setting in partnership with Young Communities: 

  • RAGE
  • Feeling Fantastic
  • Grade 6 Transition
  • Wellbeing & Self Care
  • Adaptability
  • Housing & Homelessness Information 

If you are interested in the delivery of one of these workshops or a more tailored workshop for your school/clients, please see contact details below.

Case study

Mother- Daughter relationship improves with the help of the Reconnect Program.

Mary and her 14-year-old daughter Kate have always had an intense relationship. Mary has a physical disability and Kate has a lot of responsibility for her age as her mum’s carer. Mary and Kate have been fighting a lot. Mary started to get really concerned about Kate, she was hanging around with older kids and Mary was worried that Kate might be drinking and experimenting with drugs.

Kate was getting into a lot of trouble at school and was at risk of dropping out of school. She had been suspended four times in one term.

Mary and Kate were referred to the Reconnect Program by a disability support service. Their Reconnect worker met with them separately. Here are their stories.

Mary - Mother

My family is being torn apart. We never stop arguing. I am so worried about Kate and her opportunity for an education. I really hope that Kate can open up to you and have someone to talk to about her feelings. She doesn’t want to share anything with me anymore, but she needs to have someone to talk to.

I grew up in a house of abuse and that has been something I have never gotten over. I have never wanted my children to experience that kind of life.

Kate- Young Person

I have been so stressed out. I was caught shoplifting, and mum was really angry. I hate my school and the teachers. I was suspended once for arguing with one of the teachers, and another time I was suspended because I got into a fight with some girl in my class.  It wasn’t my fault, but I got suspended anyway. I wish I could go to another school to get a fresh start.

I wish I didn’t get so angry about things and could stay cool when people have a go at me. I have to stop getting into trouble at school because I hate being at home all the time with mum.

I just want things to be stress-free without fighting at home and school.

What Reconnect accomplished

Kate’s Reconnect worker helped Kate sort out many of the issues that were causing problems. Together they came up strategies for managing her anger. Kate’s Reconnect worker also worked with the school, including teachers and the social workers, and used a school support program to find Kate a new school.

Kate’s Reconnect worker was also a support person during her community conference meetings about some offending activities and a court case. Her worker was able to speak about Kate’s commitment to change.

Through support from Reconnect and in collaboration with other service providers, Kate made a fresh start in a new school. She is happy, has new friends and is enjoying learning again. Mary feels that this new friendship circle has gotten Kate away from criminal trouble and has helped in the family being happier. 

Social Stories

Social stories help parents and guardians prepare children, or those requiring special assistance, about what to expect. 

Take a look at the Social Story for Reconnect Program(PDF, 3MB).

 

FAQs

How can the Reconnect Program assist Parents/Carers?

The Program understands that problems faced by young people are not isolated from other parts of the young person’s life. Education, family and community participation, and employment are also a consideration.

The program looks at the whole person, or family, and develops a plan that tackles more than just the immediate issues.


What does Reconnect not do?

The Reconnect program is not a crisis youth homelessness service. It does not replace child protection agencies or provide temporary housing.

Where a young person may be at risk of harm the Police, or an ambulance should be called.

How can I refer to the Reconnect Program?

You can self-refer your young person by completing the below form. 

Please check eligibility criteria before completing the referral form. 

If you need further information, please contact Community Care and Active Living during business hours on 03 9747 7200 or at reconnect@melton.vic.gov.au

 

More information

If you need further information, please contact Community Care and Active Living during business hours 03 9747 7200 or at reconnect@melton.vic.gov.au

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