Dillon House is a 24-hour supported accommodation program for young people aged 16-24 who have involvement with the criminal justice system and are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
How does the program help?
Dillon House provides intensive day and after-hours support to residents, focused on developing their independent living skills and reducing their risk of homelessness, reoffending and recidivism.
Young people face significant and complex barriers to making a successful transition back to the community after involvement with the justice system. Dillon House provides the stable foundation they need to build a new life after involvement with the justice system.
Dillion House residents receive ongoing case management support from the Next Steps outreach program. Next Steps supports young people to establish and strengthen links with pro-social activities, education and employment, to increase their capacity and chances of obtaining safe, affordable and sustainable housing.
Young people who are homeless are more likely to engage in “survival crimes”… and are more likely to be visible to police while doing so, resulting in youth justice involvement... young people who interact with the justice system are also more likely to become homeless as a result of fewer social and familial supports and difficulty securing accommodation once they have a criminal record.
How does the program work?
Dillon House is a safe and welcoming place that enables young people to:
- develop the necessary skills to live independently in the community
- address their mental and physical health issues
- engage with education, training and employment
- connect with pro-social activities within the community
- manage risk-taking or criminal behaviour
- find suitable long-term housing in the community
After 24 months at the accommodation, young people remain supported by a case worker through the Next Steps program as they live independently as active members of the community.
Who can participate?
Dillon House is available to young men aged between 16 and 24 years who have had historical and/or current involvement with the criminal justice system and homelessness service system.
Where is the program offered?
Dillon House is located in the inner Melbourne suburb of Carlton North. The accommodation is available to young people anywhere in Victoria, with consideration given to young people’s existing connections with the local community, to avoid further experiences of displacement.
Make a referral
As Dillon House only has capacity to support three participants, vacancies are advertised when available. Any referral queries are made via email to Dillon.House@jss.org.au.