About the program

The service aims to reduce a young person’s alcohol or other drug use and to minimise harm caused by use. The program also helps participants to manage other problems like mental health, education, family, and legal issues.

Participation in the program is voluntary and individuals wanting assistance can self-refer. The program also takes referrals from the criminal justice system through ACSO (Australian Community Support Organisation).

Our youth and family services include

• Youth alcohol and other drug counselling: where young people can discuss their issues and concerns in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
• Dual diagnosis counselling: a counselling service for young people suffering from mental health and drug and alcohol issues, delivered in partnership with headspace Elsternwick and Bentleigh.
• Forensic youth AOD counselling: referrals received through ACSO/COATS for young people required to engage in AOD treatment as part of their Court Orders. Referrals for the north west region.
• Family alcohol and other drug counselling: where families can gain an understanding of one another’s issues and work towards a group resolution.
  The Odyssey Youth Camp: An annual camp to provide at-risk young people with respite, life-skills training, and meaningful life experiences.
• Youth AOD Outreach/Dual Diagnosis Counselling: youth (aged 12-24) alcohol and other drug outreach, counselling and case management support delivered in the Bayside and Melton regions.
• Building Resilience via Advocacy, Counselling and Education (BRACE) Program: A holistic program that places a youth clinician at schools to provide youth and family counselling, support, referral, drug education, secondary consultation, and staff professional development.
• Project Sunrise: African youth AOD program which supports young people up to the age of 30 and their families. Support offered includes counselling, case management, outreach, advocacy, referral, community engagement and education. Program covers a range of local government areas across Melbourne.
• The Zone: intersectional youth AOD program covering the north west region. Specialised support is provided to young people aged 12-25 and their families that identify as having intersectional and diverse needs. This program is delivered in consortium with YSAS and Drummond Street. Odyssey’s Youth AOD Practitioners service the outer west (Melton, Moorabool, Wyndham) and outer north (Hume, Macedon Ranges) regions.
• Youth Reach Out Program: targeted youth alcohol and other drug support for young people residing in out of home care in the outer west.
• Secondary Consultation: secondary consultation and support is offered to any service working with young people and families that are impacted by substance use.

When appropriate, Odyssey House Victoria also refers young people to a number of its partner organisations, for additional support or treatment.

Cost

This is a free service offered by Odyssey House Victoria. 

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