Open Family Australia merged with Whitelion in 2011. We have several outreach programs under the Open Family Australia brand. Via these programs, we meet at-risk young people on the streets, connect with them, and refer them to various services at Whitelion to empower them and help them put their lives back on track. 

For more than 30 years, Open Family Australia has been providing a range of Outreach services to young people experiencing high complex needs.

Our client group is young people aged between 12 and 25 who are disengaged from society.

Over 80% of these young people are in this situation due to family break down or family conflict. This issue goes across all socio-economic groups and may result in homelessness, criminal activity, drug abuse, mental health problems and disengagement from school or employment.

Methodology

Through our expertise and proven methodology we go to where young people are. We look in the hot spots such as railway stations, shopping centres, rooming houses and squats. We engage with young people to link them to services which can help them connect back into a supportive environment and a healthy community. This could include crisis support and services such as housing, health, drug and alcohol programs, family counselling, legal services, re-engagement back into school, and assisting young people to find suitable work.

We never judge, we never give up and we never turn away.