Youth Services

This includes psychoeducation sessions, numeracy and literacy training and life skills sessions; such as better ways of caring about yourself through health, hygiene and nutrition, plus a variety of sport and recreational activities.

Intensive
Assessment Program
(IAP)

  • Depending on the needs of the young person, IAP runs for up to 4 weeks. It is open to young people aged 12-17.
  • Assists in the treatment and recovery from substance misuse through an intensive assessment and screening process, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy.
  • Provides a comprehensive assessment report covering key care domains and care plan recommendations to support ongoing continuity of care and treatment.

Substance
Treatment Program
(STP)

  • The duration of the STP depends on the individual young person and their treatment goals.
  • It is open to young people aged 14-17, who must first attend IAP.
  • Assists in the treatment and recovery from substance misuse through a range of tailored interventions, activities, and treatment goals developed from the young person’s IAP report.
  • Provides an individual weekly timetable that meets the young person’s specific needs including opportunities for:
    • Psychoeducation
    • Education
    • Therapy (including art therapy, drumbeat, counselling)
    • Interests and hobbies (art, music, sport)
    • Recreation activities

Alongside these sessions, young people participate in a numeracy and literacy education program called Deadly Clever.  A highlight for them during their stay is the sport and recreational activities.

All young people who enter the program are given a full health check through Danila Dilba Health Services, and the CAAPS Health Worker monitors young people to ensure their health improves during their stay.

Over time, the program has built up a good record of program graduations and young people tend to stay for the duration of their program. Feedback from communities shows that people recognise CAAPS as a place where their young people can go and come back with a more positive outlook on life.

To help keep people safe CAAPS also ensures that all vehicles located on the grounds of the facility contain low aromatic fuel or diesel in order to provide a safe environment for participants.

Referral Information

CAAPS Youth Services IAP accepts referral to the program directly from self, family, community, and all agencies including the Department of Health (DOH) under the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act.

For enquiries please call (08) 8922 4852, email ys.intake@caaps.org.au, or follow the link below to complete our online referral form. Self, family, and community or agency referrals are welcome.

Young People under the age of 16 years who will be attending the Youth Services IAP unaccompanied by their guardian require consent forms to be signed by a legal guardian and returned to CAAPS before the young person commences their program.

Referral & Consent Form

Youth Services also has the capacity to run a weekly session for young people not yet ready to engage in the IAP or who have previously participated in the CAAPS Youth Services Program. SIGNAL remote sessions provide an opportunity for young people can join in to brief intervention sessions through using an interconnected device (mobile phones, tablets, computers). For more information please contact the Clinical Coordinator on (08) 8922 4859.

For a referral please complete the referral form below.

Remote Youth Program Referral and Consent

Frequently Asked Questions (Youth Services)

Will it cost me anything to stay at CAAPS?
You will not need to pay board if you enter the IAP or STP program but support people will be asked to pay board. Details of these costs can be obtained from the Intake Worker by calling (08) 89224818

How do I get there?
Our Health and Intake Coordinator can advise you of support services to help with travel arrangements.

Will have my own room?
IAP young people are provided with their own room unless requested that they would like to share. Each bedroom comes with an ensuite bathroom. There is a common recreation, lounge, and kitchen area for IAP young people.

All STP young people are expected to share a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a small kitchenette. There is a common recreation, lounge, and kitchen area for STP young people.

How long will it take to come in?
We need to have all supporting documents and assessments complete including criminal history checks for supporting adults in order to give you an entry date. The Health and Intake Coordinator can provide more information when you speak with them.

How long will I be there?
The IAP is a 4-week intensive assessment program.

The STP duration is dependent on your individualised treatment goals.

Can I have visitors?
Yes, the Family Worker, Social Worker, Clinician, and/or Clinical Coordinator can provide details on visiting hours and other arrangements.

I heard you get to graduate before you leave.
Young people who complete the STP have an exciting graduation party before they leave, where you get to share your good news, favourite songs, photos, and achievements from your stay.

Are there lots of rules at CAAPS?
CAAPS has rules to make sure we can keep everybody safe. It is your responsibility to follow these rules and your Family Worker, Social Worker, Clinician, and staff will help you to understand them.

What kind of activities do I get to do?
While you are here and doing your program you may get to do exciting activities and learning- this includes camps during the dry season, cinema trips, swimming, art programs, fishing, movie making, quirky science fun, BBQs, and lots more.

I am 14 years old, and my mother is caring for my siblings. Can I attend Youth Services without her?
Yes. Our Intake Panel or the person referring you to the program can assess you and ensure you have the support you need and help you with getting documentation completed.

What if I need to see a doctor?
Your guardian will have signed important documents to give CAAPS staff permission to seek the help you need if you have an injury or are sick. Our Health Worker will also provide support for any non-urgent matters.

My son used to sniff every day, but now he mostly just smokes. He is always getting in trouble with the Police though. Can he attend the program?
Being involved with police is not a barrier to entry to CAAPS, and your son can be assessed. Each person is assessed on an individual basis and CAAPS will accept them if they meet our criteria in consideration of behaviours toward self and others.