Youth

At Pathfinders, we deliver tailored outdoor and adventure-based programs that promote social inclusion and enable healing for vulnerable young people. Our programs are designed to be accessible and promote pro-social behaviours, internal capacities, and community connections. Depending on the needs of the young person or group, our programs can range from a few hours to a few days in length. We believe that by providing supportive and nurturing environments, we can help young people overcome adversity and build a brighter future.

Our therapeutic adventure programs are open to young people aged 10-17. We conduct both group and individual programs. We have limited spaces available so it’s important to make a referral as soon as possible to secure a spot. These are fee for service programs.

Make a referral through our website www.pathfindersNT.com.au

ASYASS believes that all people have a right to secure, appropriate and affordable housing. Many young people are often disadvantaged in their access to housing through factors such as inexperience, family crisis and breakdown, financial insecurity and community prejudice.

Youth Housing

The Youth Housing Program Provides semi-independent accommodation (up to 12 months) to young people 16-21yo. The ASYASS Housing Program currently manages these properties are located across Alice Springs. The housing program offers young people, who are unable to reside with family, through case management the opportunity to re-engage with education, training or to gain employment, as well as to develop and strengthen life skills (including living skills) required to establish themselves independently. Where appropriate ASYASS also supports and encourages involvement with family.

Crisis Youth Refuge

Provides safe supported accommodation for young men and women, 15-17yo, inclusive 24 hrs/7days a week. Accommodation can be provided for one night up to 3 months. During their stay at ASYASS Youth Refuge, young people will also be provided supported though case management (where appropriate).

Young people will also be supported to:

• identify and work towards their goals;
• address their health, education and income needs;
• develop appropriate life skills
• (re)engage with family (where appropriate); and
• access long term accommodation where necessary

The Youth Refuge provides safe supported accommodation for young men and women, 15 – 17 years, inclusive 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. Accommodation can be provided for one night or up to 3 months.

​Ampe Akweke (pronounced – umba kooka) “Little Babies Place”

Ampe Akweke is a place for single young women / mothers Program 14-23 years of age. Ampe akweke offers both outreach support and residential support, if the single young women / mothers have no where suitable and safe to stay. Young women can stay in the safe house for up to 3 months. Ampe akweke works with the young women to ensure they have theirs, their unborn child or their babies health needs met. Ampe akweke family support workers provide parenting education and support as well as case management to all young women accessing the program.

Emergency Relief Program

ASYASS administers Emergency Relief funds to young people who find themselves needing financial assistance in the form of:

• purchase vouchers of a fixed value (e.g for food, clothes)
• assistance to obtain appropriate forms of identification
• material assistance such as blankets, clothing or school needs
• appropriate referrals to other services that help to address underlying causes of financial crisis

This Program is administered from our office located at 12 Undoolya Road

Resource Centre

This program is a hub for information, training, life skills development, advocacy and support. More than just a drop in centre, a calendar of training and activities is provided monthly.

Support workers are available to young people who are not necessarily in our other programs. Outreach and emergency support are provided through this service and they provide linkages to other services.

They can be assisted to do their laundry, have a shower, assisted with food, clothing and medical needs.

#U-Turn provides young people with alternatives to detention and pathways out of the justice system. The program supports older children / young people aged between 8 and 17 years of age. We provide elements that support restorative justice,victim offender conferencing,community service and build connection and capacity through cultural activities and life skills training. #U-Turn is part of the Back on Track initiative and referrals come through Territory Families,Housing & Communities and may involve court ordered activities.

The Child and Family Contact Service (CFCS) supports children and young people in the care of the CEO of Territory Families to have meaningful and quality contact with their parents and family members. Families are supported to develop parenting skills and a safe environment to help facilitate the return of children into their care. Where reunification is not possible at that time,children and families are provided with contact opportunities that enhance connection to family,culture and community. Referrals are through Territory Families,Housing & Communities.

headspace Darwin is a free and confidential service that can help young people aged 12 to 25 with their mental health and wellbeing. The headspace Early Psychosis service supports young people experiencing or at risk of psychosis.

headspace Darwin is a free and confidential service that can help young people aged 12 to 25 with their mental health and wellbeing. The headspace Enhanced Care service supports young people with complex mental health issues to access flexible,coordinated care.

headspace Darwin is a free and confidential service that can help young people aged 12 to 25 with their mental health and wellbeing. headspace Individual Placement & Support assists young people experiencing mental health issues to find and retain a job and/or engage in study.

headspace Katherine is a free and confidential service that can help young people aged 12 to 25 with their mental health and wellbeing. headspace Darwin provides assistance in four key areas: Mental Health,Physical and Sexual Health,Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Vocational Support. Regular outreach visits occur in specific remote communities within the region. Clinical services are provided by registered allied health practitioners,which include private providers who deliver services under Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS).

The HYPP program is a collaborative initiative reducing the risk of homelessness for young people (18-25 yers of age) transitioning from or who have left Statutory Care (Out of Home Care). Anglicare NT provides the case management / casework support component. Young people are provided with housing through private rentals using a graduated rent subsidy model. Mission Australia secure the housing options and provide tenancy management.

The Intensive Youth Support Service (IYSS) is for older children / young people aged 10 and 17 years who have come to the attention of Child Protection as at risk of, significant harm. Intensive trauma informed assistance, mentoring and activities are provided to engage, build connections, support school attendance and reduce the risk of further serious physical or emotional harm occurring. IYSS works closely with families to build their capacity to support children through adolescence towards adulthood. *Referrals are through Territory Families, Housing & Communities.