RUBY’S is an innovative program dedicated to curbing youth homelessness in Perth.

WA’s first youth homelessness diversion program, Ruby’s began last year as part of a two and a half-year pilot program delivered by Parkerville children and youth care (PCYC).

Since opening, the program has supported 39 young people and their families across the Perth metropolitan area, focusing on communities where the need for early intervention and diversion from homelessness is greatest.

Ruby’s chief executive officer Kim Brooklyn said the program was aimed at young people from 12 to 17 years and their families.

“The goal is to keep families together and prevent young people from entering the homelessness sector,” Ms Brooklyn said.

“By strengthening relationships, improving communication, and rebuilding trust and respect within the family unit, Ruby’s helps young people and parents develop practical coping strategies and resolve conflict safely.

“With tailored and flexible support, the program aims to restore connections, support reunification where possible, and reduce the long-term risks associated with youth homelessness, including the well-established link between experiencing homelessness as a child and homelessness in adulthood.”

Ms Brooklyn said Ruby’s was a licensed program owned by Uniting Communities in South Australia, with PCYC being endorsed to deliver the model in Perth’s metropolitan area.

“With the support of the Department of Communities, Parkerville was able to renegotiate a service model change to reallocate funding from the Armadale youth accommodation service to deliver a Ruby’s pilot in WA,” she said.

“The program is part-funded by the Sisters of St John of God and includes an independent evaluation over the first two years to assess outcomes and ensure the model is achieving its intended impact.”

She said PCYC delivered Ruby’s as a fully integrated service, drawing on the organisation’s deep expertise in child, youth and family support, and ensuring the program aligned with their broader commitment to early intervention to help keep young people safe, connected, and at home where it was safe to do so.

Ruby’s youth service coordinator Mel Taylor said the most rewarding part of Ruby’s was the wrap-around, family-centred support it provided.

“Every family’s situation is different and Ruby’s allows the team to work flexibly and responsively, tailoring support to each young person and their family’s needs,” she said.

“Seeing families rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen their relationships, and watching young people safely return home or remain at home when previously they may have entered the homelessness sector, makes this work incredibly meaningful.

“The program creates real opportunities for healing, reconnection, and long-term stability, and being part of that journey is the best part for me.”

For further information go to www.parkerville.org.au