Reconnect is a program that assists young people aged 12 to 18 who may be at risk of leaving home early or who may have already left. The program supports young people and their families to strengthen relationships with family, school and the community.
The program includes a combination of counselling and mediation, practical support, communication and conflict resolution strategies, advocacy and referral.
Our team works in collaboration with other services within the community and is actively onsite in schools and colleges across southern Tasmania. Reconnect also currently co-locates at: Rose Bay, Sorell, Cosgrove, Kingston and Hobart City high school. Additionally, our team does community outreach for those not engaged in school.
We can help in different ways, including:
- Providing support to each family member
- Listening to you and helping you sort out what you want to achieve
- Helping you find strategies to improve family relationships and communication
- Providing you with information including other services that can help too
- Holding family meetings or giving you a safe space to talk
- Helping you with practical matters like school, work and other training options
The program has been around since 1998 in response to Youth Homelessness and is a National program. It is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services.
During COVID-19 restrictions, our team found creative ways to contact and work with families.
It is a free and confidential service. Information won’t be passed on without your permission unless legally required.
”This is a great program. It was so good that Matt was able to work with both me and my son so that he could hear both sides of the story. The one-on-one support was important, and it was practical. It made a difference. Our relationship is a lot better now... It was good that Matt was able to meet my son for the first meeting at a place where he felt comfortable which for us was our local Child and Family Centre which he was familiar with. We need more programs like this and more funding and resources.
- Program participant
During the 2022 – 2023 financial year, we:
Delivered over 900 sessions of support to 115 young people and support persons.
86% reported positive outcomes in achieving their identified goals.
91% of those completing feedback surveys reported positive changes to their circumstances.
96% recorded positive satisfaction with their service provision.
