Northern Rivers, creating a safe space for them to thrive. Photo supplied
A new one-on-one support program designed for young people aged 12-20-years who have disengaged from school, community or stable family life is now available.
Run by RiverTracks, ‘CaseConnect,’ has been made possible through a recent $15,000 funding boost from the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF).
Organisers says CaseConnect provides deeper, relationship-based support that many mainstream services can’t offer.
In a media release they say, ‘While isolation and anti-social behaviour can be problematic aspects of youth disengagement, early results from this program already show improvements in routine-building, emotional regulation, school attendance and reduced high-risk behaviour for the young people involved’.
‘Since launching in November, four youth and their families have registered with the local program based in Murwillumbah’.
Program seeking further funding
RiverTracks Program Manager, Christopher Rowland, says he is grateful for the funding which has enabled this vital program to get up and running.
‘CaseConnect gives us the opportunity to work one-on-one in a wholistic way with young people facing complex challenges.
‘Thanks to NRCF funding, we can now offer the kind of sustained, relational care that helps young people and their families stabilise, reconnect and rebuild their futures.
‘We’ve seen what works. Now we’re committed to growing it – and we welcome the support of partners who want to help us create genuine, lasting change for young people in the region,’ Rowland said.
To do this, RiverTracks is seeking $100,000–$150,000 per year in multi-year funding, allowing the team to support up to 50 young people and their families. Additional funds would also create a small pool of funds for essential items like licences, uniforms and food during times of crisis.
How is this program different?
Rowland said, ‘While RiverTracks’ core Get On Track program that’s been running since 2021 offers routine, social and group support to youth, CaseConnect offers wrap-around individualised and tailored support’.
‘Key components of the program include:
- Regular one-on-one sessions
- Case coordination
- Goal-directed planning Crisis and risk support
‘If a young person needs extra support, CaseConnect pairs each youth with a dedicated caseworker who offers mentoring, advocacy and practical help. This could include navigating school systems, justice agencies, housing, clinical appointments and daily challenges.
‘RiverTracks ‘life changing’’
One Murwillumbah mother whose child is involved in ‘RiverTracks’ programs said that ‘it’s been life changing.’
‘RiverTracks has allowed my child to feel a positive sense of connection to community and see a future for themselves.
‘Their confidence, social and life skills have been nurtured by the RiverTracks crew.
‘They would attend five days a week if they could and they’d be better off for it.
‘Any family needing support for their child should consider ‘RiverTracks’ and know their child and family will thrive from being part of the program,’ the Murwillumbah mother said.
For more info visit https://rivertracks.org/
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