Reconnect 101-07020000

In line with a zero tolerance approach to harm of children, if a staff member in the course of their duties observes behaviour, which raises concerns about a child or young person's safety, Services Australia sets out specific steps that must be taken. Follow the department’s Risk Identification and Reporting model when identifying and responding to child safety concerns. See Risk identification and management of threats to the safety or welfare of a child for more information regarding this model and the department’s commitment to the safety of children and young people.

Reconnect provides a range of community based early intervention services aimed at reconciling families and other support for young people aged 12 to 18 years who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Newly Arrived Youth Support Services (NAYSS) were incorporated into Reconnect as Newly Arrived Youth Specialists. The age range for those services extends to 21.

Participation in this program by the young person is voluntary.

The objective of the program is to improve the level of engagement of homeless young people or those at risk of homelessness with family, work, education, training and the community.

The potential outcomes of the Reconnect program are:

• family reconciliation
• improved relationship with parents and other family members
• engage or maintain young person in education, training and/or employment and with their community
• improve young person's experience of independence where this is appropriate
• work in close partnership with the community including participation in Indigenous communities

If Services Australia staff identify young people and families who may benefit from a referral to Reconnect, they should provide them with information on the Reconnect program. If applicable, refer them to a Services Australia social worker, who will make the referral to Reconnect if appropriate.

Locations for Reconnect services are listed on the Department of Social Services Website. See the Resources page for link.

Reconnect can also refer young people to Services Australia. Reasons for referral may include:

• the young person is claiming Unreasonable to Live at Home (UTLAH) due to unsuccessful attempts at family reconciliation
• the young person is living independently and having difficulty with their business with Services Australia
• the young person is needing to renegotiate their Job Plan if they are managed by Services Australia

If the young person is claiming UTLAH, Reconnect needs to be included in the UTLAH assessment if they have referred the young person to Services Australia.