Key messages
- Youth-specific alcohol and other drug services are delivered as part of the range of alcohol and drug treatment services available in Victoria.
- These services help vulnerable young people up to the age of 25 to address alcohol and other drug use issues through an integrated approach to their needs.
- Young people can enter treatment services through catchment-based intake services, self-referrals or direct referrals from treatment providers and other services such as child protection, out-of-home care providers and youth justice providers or through DirectLine or the Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice Service.
- A number of residential and non-residential treatment options exist for young people with alcohol and other drug problems.
About youth-specific alcohol and other drug treatment services
Youth-specific services help vulnerable young people up to the age of 25 to address alcohol and other drug use issues. This is achieved through a family-based approach, where appropriate, that is integrated with other services including mental health, education, health, housing, and child protection and family services.
Youth-specific services include:
- youth outreach and support - assessment, support and ongoing case coordination for young people in their own environment
- youth residential withdrawal - provided through a community residential drug withdrawal service or through hospital-based treatment.
- youth home-based withdrawal - for young people for whom the withdrawal is of mild to moderate severity and the person can be supported by a family member or friend at home
- youth residential rehabilitation - a 15-bed statewide facility to provide 24-hour staffed residential programs that provide a range of interventions for young people whose established use of drugs has caused them significant harm
- youth-supported accommodation - a supportive residential environment to help young people achieve lasting change and assist in their reintroduction into the community.
Accessing youth-specific treatment services
Youth-specific services accept referrals from catchment-based intake services, as well as self-referrals and direct referrals from treatment providers and other services such as child protection and out-of-home care providers and youth justice providers. Referrals may also be made through DirectLine or the Youth drug and alcohol advice service (YoDAA).
YoDAA is open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 8.00 pm to support better outcomes for young people with substance use issues in Victoria. It provides online information and advice, telephone support, live webchat and email services.
YoDAA can be accessed over the phone on 1800 458 685 or online at the YoDAA .
Alcohol and drug treatment service providers
Youth Alcohol and Drug Day Program
The Youth Alcohol and Drug Day Program supports young people who are currently linked to or involved in youth alcohol and drug treatment. It complements these services by providing therapeutic, life skills and recreational programs and support following treatment.
Youth residential rehabilitation
The Youth Residential Rehabilitation Program provides the opportunity for young people in Victoria to address their alcohol and drug problems and develop skills that will enable them to re-connect with their family and community.
Youth alcohol and drug outreach services
The outreach service provides assessment, support and ongoing case coordination to young people with alcohol and other drug use issues in their own environment. It also supports generalist agencies that work with young people through information, education, training and flexible funding. The Youth Outreach Flexible Funding Guidelines provide clear guidance for the use of funding to support young people, including a list of funding categories and purposes considered appropriate, such as accommodation, health and medical costs, and material aid.
Reviewed 06 December 2024