Early Intervention Strategies to Support Young People Experiencing Vulnerability

Our approach

Streetwork helps vulnerable young people make positive changes through early intervention, mentoring and practical skill-building. We believe every young person can turn their life around when they have the right support at the right time.

Through our Kickstart Mentoring Program, each young person is matched with a trained and qualified Youth Caseworker who provides one-on-one support. This trusted relationship becomes the anchor that helps young people stabilise, set goals, build protective factors and take positive steps forward.

What guides our work

1. Trusted relationships come first

We meet young people at their pace. Trust is the starting point for every conversation, every decision and every step forward.

2. Young people lead the way

Real change works best when the young person is actively involved in shaping it. Together, we create a goal-based plan built around their needs, strengths and aspirations.

3. Practical support when it matters

Young people identify their goals, and we help them access the support they need to get there. This may include:

  • mental health or alcohol and other drug support

  • re-engagement with school, training or work

  • housing support

  • help navigating police, courts or community services

  • support to build confidence, life skills and positive relationships

4. Evidence-informed practice

Our mentoring model blends casework and youth work, using strategies grounded in Streetwork’s theory of change. We partner with Huber Social to evaluate our impact and use data to continually strengthen our work.

5. Empowerment at the centre

This is a partnership. We walk alongside young people as they learn new skills, build confidence and take the steps needed to shape their own future.

How we reach young people

Many young people do not ask for help, so we make sure help reaches them through:

  • outreach programs

  • 24/7 advocacy when they come into contact with police or courts

  • referrals from schools, health services, community organisations and youth justice

  • crisis support to stabilise immediate risks

  • aftercare to support young people once they finish mentoring

Alongside mentoring, we provide skill-building activities that strengthen confidence, personal capability and positive relationships, helping young people feel more prepared for what comes next.

Support beyond Streetwork

Young people often need access to specialist services. We provide warm, supported referrals to local mental health, wellbeing, housing, education and community programs, so no young person has to navigate these systems alone.