ABOUT WHITELION
Whitelion is a non-profit community organisation that has been supporting highly vulnerable young people for more than thirteen years. The organisation provides youth-focused gender and culturally specific services in several areas. These include; employment, role modelling, specialist outreach support and education based prevention programs.
Whitelion's mission is focused on connecting 'at-risk' young people aged 10 to 24 with the community. It provides them with practical and effective supports that enable them to make positive choices in their lives.
The young people that Whitelion supports have seldom had positive influences in their lives; many come from backgrounds that are characterised by multi-generational disadvantage, unemployment, substance abuse and offending behaviour. These young people require consistent, practical and intensive support to break the cycle of disadvantage and reach their full potential.
Whitelion breaks this cycle of disadvantage through role modeling, mentoring and employment programs that change young people's lives. In 2012, Whitelion had 1,208 program places for young people who live in the community, and 90% of young people who get a mentor and a job do not re-offend.
However; 46,187 young people are considered vulnerable, and 14,353 young people are considered at risk...
WHO ARE 'YOUTH AT-RISK'?
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'Youth at-risk' includes young people who have been involved with the Youth Justice or State out-of-home care system. |
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Typically these young people have come from families that have experiences multi-generational disadvantage and significant trauma. |
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Often these young people do not have a safe home environment resulting in statutory intervention and placement in State care. |
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Young people at risk are referred to Whitelion by staff within the criminal justice system or other community organisations across Australia. |
