Celebrating a major milestone in Victoria’s Youth Housing First - Young People Leaving Care Pilot

MCM, in partnership with Quantum Support Services and Junction Support Services, is proud to celebrate a key milestone in the pioneering Youth Housing First – Young People Leaving Care Pilot. Launched in early 2025, this is the first initiative of its kind in Australia designed to provide flexible, tailored, long-term housing and wraparound support to young people transitioning from out-of-home care.

The pilot focuses on young people at immediate risk of homelessness within six months of leaving care and offers a crucial preventative pathway away from the youth homelessness system and toward a positive, supported transition to independence.

Today, all three partner agencies have successfully housed at least one young person across eastern and southern Victoria. Since commencement, 28 young people have engaged with the program, with 18 already safely housed. Engagement remains exceptionally strong, with 89% of young people actively participating at this early stage.

MCM Team Leader Claire Kruger said:
“It’s wonderful to see young people supported through the program’s Advantaged Thinking and Healing-informed model of care to transition well to independent living and reduce the likelihood of entering the youth homelessness service system. It is a real privilege to walk by young people’s side for the 3.5 years.”

One young person shared:
“I really appreciate the way that the service and support has been delivered. Having support from my YHF youth worker has helped build my independent skills with my housing and confidence to do things like looking for work and study.”

The pilot will ultimately support 67 young people across Victoria’s south and east and continue through to 2031. An evaluation by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) will measure the impact on young people’s housing stability, health, education, community connection and justice outcomes, providing critical evidence for future statewide reform.

Together with our partners, MCM is committed to ensuring that young people leaving care are not left behind and instead are supported to thrive, achieve independence, and build secure futures.