Sector Demands Government Response to Findings
Victoria’s homelessness sector is urging the state government to respond to a landmark youth homelessness report released on 15th April 2026. This report outlines a proposed strategy for addressing youth homelessness, the first of its kind in two decades.
Compiled by the Victorian Youth Homelessness Assembly’s Steering Committee, the final report offers recommendations across six key areas: prevention and early intervention, family violence responses, crisis accommodation, supported housing, transition programs, and health and holistic care.
Premier Jacinta Allan and eight other ministers received a letter from the Steering Committee, which advocates for the funding and co-design of a new Youth Homelessness Strategy based on the report.
Call for Coordinated Action
During 2024-25, 22,835 young people sought help from homelessness services in Victoria, making up 22 per cent of all clients, with half seeking help alone. Youth homelessness is now the most common entry point into adult homelessness.
“The sector came together in April last year with a shared conviction that Victoria’s young people deserve better than a system built on luck,” emphasised Deborah Di Natale, CEO of the Council to Homeless Persons.
Developing a robust support system for young people requires a collaborative approach involving housing, child protection, education, justice, and health, according to the report’s recommendations.
Ms Di Natale noted the experiences of young people who felt ‘lucky’ to have found supportive services, highlighting the need for a reliable system that provides consistent support.
Since 2006, Victoria has lacked a dedicated Youth Homelessness Strategy. The 2020 Parliamentary Inquiry into Homelessness called for a shift from crisis management to prevention and early intervention, recommendations that remain largely unimplemented for youth.
Held in Melbourne on 29th-30th April 2025, the Victorian Youth Homelessness Assembly developed the report with Melbourne City Mission and Homes Victoria as partners.
The Assembly’s report also highlights that half of the young people seeking help do so without family support, underscoring the urgent need for targeted youth services.
Following the Assembly, there has been growing pressure on the government to act swiftly on these recommendations. Stakeholders are eager to see immediate policy changes that will address the root causes of youth homelessness.
Last updated: 15 April 2026, 4:04 pm
