Refer the support need. We will assess the fit.

Empower YOUth works with case managers, support coordinators, Child Protection, family services, schools, allied health professionals and other professional referrers. Referrals are considered case by case against the support being requested and our current scope of work.

Make a ReferralTalk it through first

Do not rule a referral out because it does not fit a neat category

Empower YOUth does not use a narrow ‘ideal referral’ profile. Instead, we consider:

  • what support is being requested
  • whether it falls within our scope
  • participant goals and circumstances
  • practitioner capability and fit
  • geography
  • current capacity
  • funding arrangements
  • safety
  • practical delivery requirements

Discuss Service Fit

What Empower YOUth aims to add

  • A clear role

    The referrer, participant and team should understand what Empower YOUth has been engaged to provide.

  • Support in context

    Where appropriate, work can occur in the home, community or other relevant setting so the service can respond to what is happening in real life.

  • Practitioner matching

    The person’s goals, context, support needs and practical requirements inform practitioner selection.

  • Continuity

    We prioritise practitioner consistency wherever possible, and appropriate handover when a change is required.

  • Useful communication

    Updates, reports and meetings should help the care team understand the work being undertaken and what needs attention next.

  • Follow-through

    When circumstances change, the aim is to maintain communication rather than leave the referrer wondering whether the service is still engaged.

Current support pathways

The referral does not need to nominate one of these programmes.

  • H.O.M.E.

    Families Parents Carers

    In-home family support — help make home life more manageable, in the place where routines, relationships and difficult moments actually happen.

  • R.I.S.E.

    Children Young people Adults

    Mental health and psychosocial support to build practical ways to cope, participate and manage everyday life.

  • W.I.L.D.

    Individuals Families Groups

    Outdoor and community-based therapeutic support to build connection, confidence and practical skills through shared experience.

  • R.E.S.T.

    Participants Families

    Goal-based respite to give families breathing room with the participant’s goals still in view.

  • P.A.T.H.

    Parents Kinship and foster carers

    Parent and caregiver support to help make difficult moments more understandable and more manageable.

  • UpB.E.A.T

    Students aged 6–16

    School regulation, re-engagement and structured school-day support for students aged 6–16 whose connection with school is becoming difficult.

The referral process

  1. Initial referral or fit check

    Provide the participant’s basic details, location, support being requested, reason for referral and your professional contact information.

  2. Initial review

    The team considers scope, geography, current capacity and practical requirements.

  3. Intake

    If the referral can progress, the appropriate participant, guardian or authorised referrer completes the required intake process.

  4. Supporting information

    Relevant plans, reports, behaviour-support material, school information or risk documents may be requested where required for safe and appropriate delivery.

  5. Intake discussion

    The team clarifies goals, consent, priorities, practical requirements, safety and communication expectations.

  6. Practitioner and service fit

    Where the referral is accepted, we identify the proposed service and practitioner.

  7. Service agreement

    Scope, pricing, schedule, responsibilities and agreed communication are documented.

  8. Commencement

    Support begins once required information, consent and agreements are in place and capacity has been confirmed.

NDIS information

Empower YOUth OoHC Services is a registered NDIS provider. Visit NDIS & Pricing for current registration groups and pricing information.

NDIS & PricingDiscuss NDIS Service Fit

Check before promising a commencement date

Capacity varies by service, support need, location and practitioner availability. Empower YOUth will confirm whether the referral can be considered and provide a realistic indication of the next step once the initial information has been reviewed.

Empower YOUth primarily works across Melbourne’s north-east, inner north and south-east. If geography is uncertain, send the suburb before completing a full referral.

Check Current Capacity

Have a participant in mind?

Send the referral need. If you are uncertain whether it fits, send a short summary first.

Main service enquiries: 0422 186 412 · enquiries@empoweryouthoohc.com

Make a Referral Talk it through first