Shoalhaven Youth Support Service (SYSS) provides both a Residential and Outreach Service for young people and adults in the Shoalhaven area who meet the following criteria:

– 16 – 24 year old singles
– Homeless OR at risk of homelessness

Through both Outreach and Residential support, SYSS caseworkers will work with young people to develop a case plan to target areas such as income, employment, training, accommodation, living skills, education and access/referrals to more specialised services as needed such as mental health support or drug and alcohol services. Caseworkers work alongside young people to navigate unfamiliar pathways in the community and be an advocate for them. Our aim is to empower young people and build on their skills to resilient and independence.

Ideally, we aim for an early intervention approach. Our Outreach Program allows us to work with young people in the community who may need help staying in their current accommodation. We can meet with young people directly, and their families if required, to try and maintain accommodation or assist them in other areas of need through case management. This support can last for up to 12 months.

SYSS uses a prevention model by working with local schools & community groups to educate young people about possible risk factors that may lead to homelessness, dispel myths related to homelessness and provide information on where to seek help if needed.
Alternatively, if a young person has no accommodation options, SYSS offers short term (up to 8 weeks) accommodation in Nowra.

In the Residential Program, the young person will have their own space in a self-contained one bedroom unit which is managed by Caseworkers and After Hours staff 24/7 throughout the year. After completion of a residential short term stay, young people can continue to be supported via Outreach if they choose.

For further information, you can also call CareSouth Shoalhaven Youth Support Service on 4422 7625 or 1300 554 260 (toll free) or email us at SYSS@caresouth.org.au