Universal Screening and Supports

The Department of Communities and Justice’s Universal Screening and Supports (USS) is a prevention and early intervention response to homelessness for children and young people.

USS uses a screening tool that is administered to all consenting students in Years 7-12 within participating schools. The tool identifies young people who are at risk of homelessness, mental health and school disengagement. Students can also be referred to the program by schools or other support providers or if the student self refers.

The lead support agencies in each area provide students and their families wrap around holistic support to reduce the risk of homelessness and address any underlying or associated issues. This support is done through a collaborative model with other local services called the Communities of Schools and Services (COSS) model.

Upstream Australia holds the intellectual property of the screening tool and the COSS model which are central in USS.

The program commenced in 2019 and is currently running in Albury. Yes Unlimited is the lead agency delivering the Albury Project and supporting three local high schools.

Watch this animation to learn more about Universal Screening and Supports and how it is helping young people at risk of homelessness.