Health
Young people experiencing homelessness are more likely than their same-age counterparts to experience health issues, particularly those young people who are experiencing street homelessness. They may engage in greater risk-taking behaviours and have lower health status, including from substance abuse and high-risk sexual behaviours, including sexual violence. Young people experiencing homelessness may also suffer from lack of sleep, poor nutrition and the effects of stress as a result of their living and relationship circumstances.
Here you will find information and resources on a range of health issues in relation to young homeless people.
Centre for Adolescent Health
http://www.rch.org.au/cah/index.cfm?doc_id=10392
The Centre for Adolescent Health responds to the health problems that affect young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. CAH provides clinical services, education and training and research. Clinical services include The Young People's Health Service, a primary health care service for young people aged between 12 - 22 years who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including young people in refuges and temporary accommodation. The service is totally free and young people are encouraged to drop in during clinic hours. Nurses and doctors are available and provide treatment, information and referral as needed.
YPHS assists with many issues including:
- sexual health and sexuality
- sexual assault
- chronic health issues
- testing for Hepatitis B & C, HIV and other infections
- immunisations for Hepatitis B, Rubella, Tetanus, Polio, flu
- pregnancy care and support
- parenting support and information
- alcohol and other drug issues and information, support, safe using information and detox
- emotional and mental health
- domestic and family violence
- skin problems: rashes, scabies, lice, foot problems
- dental problems
The Clinic is location with other services that can help young people with many issues. This group of services is called Frontyard.
Frontyard Youth Services
Frontyard Youth Services is a ‘one stop shop’ of services that work together to address the physical, emotional and social needs of young people aged 12 to 25 years who spend time in the Melbourne CBD and who are homeless or marginalised. Some of the services also work with young people across the whole of Melbourne and Victoria. Frontyard Services seek to provide young people with choices that contribute to their health and future wellbeing and, where possible, return them to their community of origin.
The range of services include: accommodation and tenancy rights, legal, employment, education and training, school support and Reconnect, Centrelink, counselling and support, general health and alcohol and drug services.
Most services are drop-in so appointments are not necessary, however depending on how busy the day is there may be a slight wait. Young people are seen on a first in, first served basis. Some services have referral forms and these can be downloaded from the service information sections.
