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YOUTH SUPPORT

Since 2001, MADEC has worked closely with Federal and State Departments and the regional youth sector, giving assistance and support for young persons who are vulnerable, have complex needs, and are at risk.

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YOUTH SUPPORT AT MADEC

MADEC’s youth programs provide a range of individual, holistic support. We help young people to work through barriers they may be facing, with the overarching aim of diverting young people away from circumstances that place them at risk.

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OUR SERVICES

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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & SUPPORT SERVICE (YESS)

The Youth Empowerment & Support Service (YESS) is a free, voluntary support program for young people aged 12–21 who live in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, including Sarina, Pioneer Valley, Bowen, and Collinsville. YESS  can support young people with:

  • Life Skills & Wellbeing – Developing everyday life skills, managing personal challenges, and supporting mental and emotional wellbeing.
  • Transition to Adulthood – Assistance with Centrelink, identification, Tax File Numbers, banking, budgeting, and moving out of home.
  • Case Management – Ongoing support to coordinate services and provide consistent, individualised care.
  • Health & Safety – Referrals and support to access mental health, physical health, sexual health, domestic violence, and assault services.
  • Education & Jobs – Support with resumes, job applications, and pathways into education or training.
  • Housing Support – Help with housing applications, emergency accommodation, and access to homelessness services.
  • Community & Culture – Connection to social groups, local events, and culturally appropriate supports.


With consent, the program also includes family and significant others in decision-making and maintains strong inter-agency links to ensure coordinated and effective support. 

The YESS Program aims to empower young people to become self-sufficient adults with strong, healthy relationships—equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed.

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OUT-OF-HOME CARE

Out-of-Home or residential care is a living arrangement for children and young people who are unable to live in their family home. While every young person’s story is unique, almost all come from complex family and social situations where they may have experienced trauma, neglect and abuse.

MADEC uses the evidence-based Hope and Healing framework and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention model to create a safe, nurturing environments that support young people who have experienced trauma.

MADEC is committed to supporting young people in connecting with their kin and culture, feeling safe and secure, and building life skills to transition into adulthood.

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PATHWAYS TO INDEPENDENCE (PTI)

Pathways to Independence (PTI) is a free, voluntary early-intervention program supporting young people aged 14–17 in the Mackay region to build the skills, confidence and direction needed to achieve greater independence.

PTI works with young people who may be disengaged from education, experiencing challenges, or seeking support to create a more positive future. Through a combination of one-on-one mentoring, structured group sessions and practical assistance, the program supports young people to strengthen their connection to education, training and employment pathways.

Participants receive personalised, goal-focused support tailored to their individual needs. This can include:

  • Life Skills & Wellbeing – Building confidence, managing emotions, and developing everyday life skills.
  • Education & Training – Support to reconnect with school or explore alternative education and training pathways.
  • Employment Pathways – Guidance to build skills and confidence for future employment opportunities.
  • Practical Support – Assistance with identification, learner licences, and navigating essential services.
  • Family & Community Connections – Strengthening relationships and building positive support networks.
 

With consent, PTI works alongside families and carers to provide coordinated, holistic support that helps young people stay connected and move forward with confidence.

Funded through the Queensland Government’s Youth Justice KickStarter Grant program, PTI focuses on early support to help young people build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create positive, long-term pathways.

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