Youth Accommodation Support Services (YASS)
Program Overview:
The Youth Accommodation Support Services program within Aboriginal Family Support Services operates from two locations in metropolitan Adelaide. 
Narungga House and Olga Fudge Lodge are funded under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP).  The aim of the program is to assist and support Aboriginal youth based on the intake criteria of homelessness, and youth in crisis and/or at risk. Olga Fudge Lodge and Narungga House respond to incoming referrals for the purpose of accommodation, information and referral, crisis intervention and support.  Our primary objective is to support Aboriginal youth to achieve stable and supported accommodation and to assist youth who have social and personal issues, which if not addressed cause them to remain at risk of homelessness.
The units are staffed 24hrs a day and are open 365 days per year.  We have the facility to house 6 long-term clients plus two emergency beds at Narungga House. However, Olga Fudge Lodge is able to take clients with children, which therefore results in higher occupancy of numbers.
The staffing is comprised of both male and female Youth Officers who are dedicated and committed to the clients and program.  All staff employed in the program are expected to be familiar with the principles of youth work and to be experienced in such areas as case management, counseling, behavior management, mandatory notification and first aid. Another aspect of their position is to advocate and liaise for and on behalf of their clients.
One of the major prerequisites for a YASS team member is to be culturally sensitive and wherever possible to be a member of the Aboriginal community. Strong emphasis is placed on staff’s ability to adopt culturally appropriate practices when working with Aboriginal youth.  YASS provides services in a non-discriminatory manner which are empowering and developmental, and which enable Aboriginal youth to be involved in decisions affecting their lives.
Entry to Olga Fudge Lodge and Narungga House is by referral from one of the following services: Trace a Place and Crisis Care.
CRITERIA
YASS have a number of basic criteria which must be met at both units:
Olga Fudge Lodge:                
Aboriginal Females - 15 years up to the age of 18 years with no dependants  
Females 15 – 24years with dependant children
Homeless and or at risk of homelessness or in crisisAt Olga Fudge Lodge clients will be assisted in areas such as accommodation needs, parenting skills, financial counseling, legal issues, employment and educational requirements, physical and emotional well being and general daily living skills. Referral for specialist services or medical needs is also available.
Narungga House:       
Aboriginal Females 18-24 years with no dependants
Males 15 – 24 years with no dependants
Homeless and or at risk of homelessness or in crisisNarungga House is located in the southern suburbs close to the beach area.  It has the capacity to house 6 people plus 2 additional emergency beds. Clients accommodated at this unit can expect to receive support in similar areas to that of Olga Fudge Lodge however particular attention is paid to accommodation needs, financial planning and budgeting, debt repayment i.e. fines, housing, amenities etc.  Another focus of this unit is to address educational and employment options. Referrals, advocacy and advice in areas such as traineeships, housing and income supports plays a major role in this unit.Referrals during business hours are to be directed to Trace A Place (84138150)After hour referrals via Crisis Care (13 16 11). The program offers an On-Call service which is rostered fortnightly between the Senior Youth Support Officers and Staff.  For more information regarding the Youth Accommodation Support Service, please contact;YASS Manager – Leanne Young

Aboriginal Family Support Services
134 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA   5000
Telephone:  08 8212 1112 or Fax:  08 8212 1123
Email: leanne.young@afss.com.au