The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:03): I move:

(1)That this House notes that A Place to Go is a therapeutic and trauma-informed early intervention program that provides short-term accommodation and holistic support for young people aged 10 to 17 who are in contact with the youth justice system and experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

(2)That this House acknowledges that A Place to Go was established under the former Coalition Government as a pilot program and has since proven to be a successful and effective diversion initiative in Western Sydney.

(3)That this House recognises that the program:

(a)offers up to 12 weeks of safe, short-term accommodation in a home-like environment;

(b)provides an additional 12 weeks of aftercare support to assist young people in sustaining longer term housing;

(c)operates with a trained therapeutic care team delivering consistent, strengths-based case management; and

(d)is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model and committed to culturally safe practices and Aboriginal self‑determination.

(4)That this House commends the multi-agency partnership between MacKillop Family Services, Youth Justice NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Police Force, NSW Department of Education, NSW Health and the Children's Court New South Wales.

(5)That this House notes that the Hon. Jihad Dib, MP, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice and the Hon. Aileen MacDonald, OAM, MLC, shadow Minister for Youth Justice, recently attended A Place to Go and both witnessed the program's positive impact firsthand.

(6)That this House highlights the independent evaluation by the University of New South Wales which found that A Place to Go improves outcomes by reducing reoffending, increases access to stable accommodation and health supports, and fosters stronger community connection.

(7)That this House calls on the Government to invest in the expansion of A Place to Go to other parts of the State, particularly in regional and high need areas, to ensure more young people benefit from this successful and life-changing model.

Motion agreed to.