YPS provides services to children/young people aged between 12 to 25 years who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in the Port Macquarie/ Hastings and Kempsey/ Macleay LGAs.

Who We Help

The different service and program types YPS implement have age eligibility criteria due to funding requirements. Below is a breakdown of the service types & target groups for each service type.

24/7 Supported Crisis Accommodation: Kempsey & Port Macquarie

24/7 Crisis accommodation is available for children/young people aged 13 to 17 years. YPS can not provide crisis accommodation to children 12 years or under as this age group require a child protection response from the Department of Family & Community Services.

Early Intervention, Prevention & Outreach Case Management Services: Kempsey & Port Macquarie

Early intervention, prevention and Outreach services are available for children/young people aged 16 to 25 years.

Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP): Kempsey & Port Macquarie

HYAP services are available for children/young people aged between 12 to 15 years. Crisis accommodation is available for HYAP children/young people between 13 to 15 years.

Transitional Housing: Kempsey & Port Macquarie

To be eligible for YPS Transitional Housing a young person needs to meet the following criteria (which we can help you with):

  • Aged 16 to 25
  • Case Managed by YPS
  • On an income- either Centrelink or employment
  • Willing & able to understand & agree to being a responsible tenant & work with us around your obligations.

Parents with Dependent Children

YPS also provides support to young parents (either single or couples) aged 13 to 25 years with dependent children. YPS does not provide direct support to dependent children but will assist parents in accessing appropriate supports for their dependent children if required.

YPS Youth Social Wellbeing Action Group (SWAG):

YPS SWAG is a group of young people working together to develop social inclusion events and opportunities for children/young people across our area. YPS SWAG is facilitated by the YPS Youth Social Inclusion Development Worker who provides support and mentoring for the SWAG members. YPS SWAG members provide YPS with valuable input into and help inform program & event development across our agency & for community events run with our networks. Youth SWAG membership is available for anyone aged between 13 to 25 years.