Kids Under Cover is a not-for-profit organisation established in Victoria in 1989.  Their focus is raising funds to construct purpose built, quality homes for homeless and at-risk young people.  The service is not available in Queensland, but the model might be something local organisations may wish to investigate further.

Some of the young people that live in the housing are victims of either physical or sexual abuse or are forced to live in cramped living conditions. Others struggle to live with parents who suffer mental illness and/ or drug addiction. These factors seriously impede their ability to function effectively in day-to-day life.

Kids Under Cover works in collaboration with 40 Community Service Organsations (CSOs) who in turn work directly with the young people and identify the housing required in each individual situation.

The two forms of housing Kids Under Cover specialise in are purpose built houses and relocatable bungalows. The houses are four to six bedrooms and are constructed on land donated by the Victorian State Government. The bungalows are freestanding, fully demountable units and are located in the yards of existing dwellings.

While living in a Kids Under Cover home, the young people are encouraged to attend school or participate in a recognised job-training program. The Kids Under Cover Scholarship Scheme provides the opportunity and the financial means for residents to complete further education such as VCE, TAFE or tertiary qualifications.

Through responsive action with a focus on prevention, Kids Under Cover is able to deliver a service which provides disenfranchised children and young people with the opportunity to experience family life, pursue educational aspirations and maintain a real sense of family.

More information is available from http://www.kuc.org.au.