Busselton in need of youth crisis accommodation

The only youth crisis accommodation available in the South West were six beds at the BunYAP House in Bunbury which were usually full, said South West MLC Adele Farina.

Ms Farina said she strongly advocated the government about the need for crisis accommodation in the region and the specific need for youth crisis accommodation in Busselton.

"Homelessness is a complex issue and youth experiencing homelessness are often contending with a number of issues,” she said. 

“Such as family and domestic violence, feeling unsafe at home, drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, unemployment and financial problems.

"It is not easy to get accurate statistics around the number of homeless youth in Busselton and the South West region.” 

City of Busselton community services manager Maxine Palmer said it was difficult to quantify as it was not uncommon for young people to couch surf at friends houses and not register for housing.

“Part of the problem is we understand a person cannot register for housing until they are 16 years old and we are coming into contact with youth younger than this who are homeless,” she said.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said it was an outstanding concern and there remained a need for a youth crime intervention officer to be based in Busselton to help with the situation.

Ms Mettam said unfortunately, issues pointed to the break-down of family units and parents not taking responsibility for their children.

“The reality is when establishing a youth centre they attract children who are vulnerable and in need of support and it is important for these facilities to assist youth and provide support services,” she said. 

“The provision of a youth crime intervention oficer in Busselton with a presence at the centre would be a huge step forward in providing support and guidance to our vulnerable youth.”