About Youth Off The Streets
We are an Australian not-for-profit youth services organisation that supports young people aged 12 to 24 who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness and complex disadvantage.
Who we are
Founded by Father Chris Riley AM more than 30 years ago, we walk alongside each young person as we seek to understand their needs and goals, and we offer the safety, support and education that helps them to realise their potential.
We are an inclusive, community-focused organisation with a unique service model that is trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
What we do
Youth Off The Streets provides wraparound support services to to children and young people across in New South Wales and Queensland. Our support is tailored to the unique circumstances and aspirations of each individual young person.
We offer:
- crisis accommodation and housing services
- accredited alternative high schools
- cultural and wellbeing support for First Nations children and young people
- casework support
- youth justice programs
- alcohol and other drugs counselling
- domestic and family violence education and support
- a national scholarship program
- life skills and capacity-building programs
- mentoring support
- youth drop-in centres and community outreach, among other services and programs
Why we exist
Across Australia, thousands of young people aged 12–24 are caught in the ‘missing middle’.
These young people are navigating significant challenges including homelessness, domestic and family violence, family breakdown, poor mental health, disengagement from education, substance misuse, trauma, substance misuse and social isolation.
Yet too often, their needs fall between existing service systems. They may be too old for child-focused services but too young to access or successfully navigate adult supports. Their circumstances are often too complex for mainstream services, yet not severe enough to meet the thresholds for specialist intervention.
As a result, many young people fall through the gaps precisely when early support could change the trajectory of their lives.
Youth Off The Streets provides integrated, wraparound support that bridges the gap between child-focused and adult services.
Our vision is that all children and young people are defined by their potential, not their circumstances.
Our purpose is to empower children and young people in need by providing them with safety, support and education for a positive purpose.
Our five-year strategy
Find out how we’re growing our impact on the lives of children and young people at risk of homelessness.
Read our latest annual report
Find out more about our work and impact on the lives of young people facing disadvantage.
Get in touch
Join our online community
ABN 29 100 388 412 | Charity fundraising no. 12611
Youth Off The Streets
PO Box 6025 Alexandria NSW 2015
28 Bowden St Alexandria NSW 2015
All donations are tax deductible.
Youth Off The Streets acknowledges the traditional custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.