philanthropyOz Blog

Australia’s Homeless Youth report

A new report released today by the National Youth Commission Inquiry into Youth Homelessness has found that homelessness for young Australians aged 12-18 has doubled in the past 20 years. The report, ‘Australia’s Homeless Youth’, is the result of an independent enquiry funded and supported by The Caledonia Foundation over a period of two years, making it possible for the National Youth Commission to draw together hundreds of oral and written submission from community organizations, individuals and government departments during a national community inquiry process conducted in 2007.

The report also found that at least 36,000 people under 25 are homeless on any given night.

‘Australia’s Homeless Youth’ is part of a two-pronged project to raise awareness about and combat youth homelessness, which also includes the funding of a confronting documentary, “The Oasis”, based on the work of the Oasis Youth Support Network, was screened on ABC1, Thursday 10 April at 8.30pm. The Caledonia Foundation will also donate a copy of “The Oasis” DVD to every secondary school in Australia, packaged with a comprehensive study guide and website.

The report provides a Roadmap for Youth Homelessness which highlights ten strategic action areas. Find out more, and download the report, on the PhilanthropyWiki.