Youth and Family Services

The Youth and Family Team supports young people 15-25 years of age (or equivalent developmental age) at our Tuesday and Thursday after school hours Youth Health Hubs, by providing individual assessments, support services and group programs.    

The Youth Hub services include; Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, Counselling, Music Therapy, Social Work, Youth Work, Health Assessments and Group Programs to improve young people’s health, well-being and independent living skills.   

Vulnerable and marginalised young people presenting with complex health and social issues are given priority. This includes Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, refugees or asylum seeker, children in government care or support, and those facing homelessness or family violence. 

Our Care Coordination team comprises a youth worker, social worker and a nurse who provide specialised outreach for young people in the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire. We assist young people (15-25 years) engage with services to support their health choices. 

Social Work is for people living with chronic health conditions. Social workers can help young people clarify the challenges of their current situation. 

This includes Social Work: 

• undertaking assessments, care planning and referrals 
• providing short-term counselling (up to 12 sessions) 
• supporting skill development which enhances emotional functioning and wellbeing 
• building self-advocacy and health literacy skills 

We do not provide treatment for young people with eating disorders as we do not have psychiatric support within our team (Click here for more information if wanting to refer for eating disorders)

Dietetics supports young people to provide their bodies with the nutrition they need and make better choices for a healthy body and mind.

• We can help young people regulate their food intake related to medications.
• We also offer group programs, and dietetic support to organisations working with young people.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) specialise in the delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs.

AEPs have experience and expertise in assessing, designing, and delivering exercise and behaviour change interventions. This includes working with those living with or at risk of chronic conditions by using exercise therapy to improve mood and motivation.  

 Our AEPs offer individual and group sessions.

Community nurses provide age-related nursing screening, services, assessments, health education and information. 

The focus of clinics is on sexual, reproductive and breast health information including:

• Cervical Screening Test (CST)
• pregnancy testing and options
• contraception options counselling
• assisted referral to Community Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Music Therapy is the intentional and creative use of music to support health, functioning and wellbeing.

Music Therapy incorporates a range of active and receptive methods including:

• music listening
• song sharing
• lyric analysis
• music-assisted counselling
• songwriting
• recording
• music-based relaxation
• instrument playing
• improvisation
• singing.

The Music Therapy service offers individual consultation and group education sessions. 

Psychological treatments can be effective tools to better understand and manage mental health challenges.

Our psychologist provides evidence-based psychological interventions for a range of concerns including:

• anxiety
• depression
• emotion dysregulation
• grief/loss
• interpersonal conflict
• difficulties adjusting to life changes/events.

The focus is on providing trauma-informed care and building a safe & collaborative therapeutic space where young people feel heard and respected. In this space, young people can learn and practice skills that help them navigate challenges, change unhelpful behaviours, and move towards their valued goals.

Youth Services develop Group Programs in response to requests for additional health knowledge and support.

These programs are tailored to young people’s needs and include:  

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for Insomnia (ACT-i) group by our psychologist to address sleep issues common to young people
• Healthy Life and Relationships Program designed by our social worker, youth worker and sexual health nurses 
• Girls on the Go  
• Independent Living Skills Program designed by social worker, social work students and dietitian
• Sound Connection designed by our music therapist