Youth Insearch Launches Placed Based Model in Chinchilla and Tara | Youth Insearch

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Thu, 03/12/2020 - 16:00

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Announcements, Media Release, Partners, Events, Place Based Model

Youth Insearch announces social worker partnership with Chinchilla State High School and Tara Shire State College. At-risk youth in Chinchilla and Tara stand to benefit from a new partnership between youth intervention charity Youth Insearch, Chinchilla State High School and Tara Shire State College. 

The Youth Insearch community-based partnership was launched on Thursday 3 December 2020 at 11:30am. Adhering to Queensland COVID-19 social-gathering restrictions, the launch was held at Chinchilla State High School. 

The partnership includes a new social worker role to support young people in the Chinchilla and Tara regions.

Youth Insearch social worker Mutsa Murenje said his focus would be on supporting and working with the local young people to develop positive life skills.

“My experience as a mental health practitioner has given me experience in supportive counselling and empowering people, groups and communities,” Mr Murenje said.

Youth Insearch CEO Stephen Lewin said the placement of a new social worker within the community would help young people who were struggling and ensure they received tailored care.

“We want to help the young people of Chinchilla and Tara by showing them what support services are available and how the Youth Insearch program can assist them overcome their challenges,” Mr Lewin said.

Youth Insearch has found that when social workers assist young people in a single community, it is able to provide tailored support to each young person on a one-on-one basis and connect them with appropriate support services.

Youth Insearch Regional Coordinator Donna Ryan said she was thrilled to welcome Mutsa Murenje to the Youth Insearch team.

“It is great to have Mutsa on board at Chinchilla State High School and Tara Shire State College in response to the strong need for a social worker in these communities. Due to the recent increase in requests for support from young people, Mutsa’s assistance will help us work more closely with case coordination,” Ms Ryan said.

Principal of Chinchilla State High School Ian Insley said the addition of a social worker into the school’s Students Support Services team will enable it to offer professional support to students.

“The ability for a Youth Insearch social worker to connect with our students at school and at home, including support for parents, is vital for the ongoing care of students,” said Mr Insley.

Principal of Tara Shire State College also commended the partnership, stating his appreciation for the commitment Youth Insearch has for the students at Chinchilla State High School and Tara Shire State College.

“Having Youth Insearch join with our high school as others to help students and their families cope with a broad range of issues shows how our community can solve problems together,” said Mr Homer.

Supporters of the Social Worker partnerships include the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Tenix Foundation, and Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, who are contributing significant funds to support Youth Insearch and its Social Workers over the next three years.