NCJ Number
211263
Date Published
April 2005
Length
104 pages
Annotation
This is the final report of an interim evaluation of Australia's Miller Live "N" Learn Campus, a project that provides accommodation, life skills, and job-search training for youth (16-25 years old) with low-support needs who are in vulnerable housing situations.
Abstract
Live "N" Learn is a pilot program in the suburb of Miller in Sydney, Australia, patterned after similar programs in Great Britain and France for often homeless youth. Since the program is ongoing, this evaluation focuses on initial outcomes in order to assist program managers in the further development of the project. This 2004 evaluation involved site visits to the Miller Campus during and after the development period, the development of a data monitoring system in conjunction with the program management team, and in-depth interviews with key staff and Campus residents at entry and 6 months later. The evaluation found that the staff has successfully established the Campus without any clearly defined model in the Australian context. It has been effective in providing intended outcomes in accommodation, education, and employment for vulnerable youth. The main attraction for residents was the secure accommodation and the opportunity for independent living. This provided the context for their focus on education and training needs identified in an action plan developed in consultation with program staff. Outcomes during the first year of operation included residents' sustained involvement in education, completion of courses, and employment. Progress was found in life-skills development, social interaction, and youths' constructive motivation. It was too early to measure outcome for progress in achieving independent accommodation. A key issue is the long-term viability of the capital and ongoing funding arrangements for the program. 2 tables, 9 references and appended summary of outcomes from the residents' meeting in November 2004, a document review, and survey instruments