Barwon Youth Support Unit

for young people who are involved in the Children's Court system, or who are at risk of involvement in that system, are offered in a manner that is unique in relation to other comparative agencies across the state. The process to reach present-day service provision has been a developmental one that has occurred in several stages. The 'end product ' was not planned and has only developed over the years as resources have become available and needs in the community identified. Only as each stage consolidated has further progress been made. There is, therefore, a strong degree of stability in the agency and confidence in the service provision by both statutory authorities and the community sector. The initial model for the Youth Support Unit commenced with a youth hostel. Today, many services are offered in a cooperative manner between the statutory authority (Community Services Victoria) and the non-statutory agency (Barwon Association for Youth Support and Accommodation). Six of these programs are co-located. Historical PerspectiveVictoria During the past fifteen to twenty years in Victoria, there has been a steady development o