Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) is a leading youth health not-for-profit agency that enables young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.  

At YSAS, we engage, support and strengthen highly vulnerable and high-risk young Victorians affected by, or at risk of being affected by, alcohol, drugs, mental health issues and social disconnection.  We do this by developing non-judgemental, caring and respectful relationships with young people and their families and communities. With more than 330 skilled staff, YSAS provides a range of integrated services across 12 sites in metropolitan and regional Victoria.  

With valued partnerships, and consultation with young people, YSAS provides holistic, strength-based and evidence-informed therapeutic practices across a continuum of care and recovery services. Through assertive outreach, residential withdrawal and rehabilitation supported housing, day programs and social enterprise, YSAS builds trust, provides treatment services and enables re-engagement with education and training, families and communities.

YSAS was established in 1998 in direct response to increasing incidences of heroin overdose in hotspots throughout Victoria. Celebrating 15 years in 2013, YSAS has supported more than 20,000 young people and their families.  More than half of the young people YSAS supported in 2011/12, ceased or significantly reduced their drug use . 

In proudly advocating for, and in collaboration with, young people, YSAS asks all Australians to look beyond the stereotype of those struggling with drug, alcohol and mental health issues, to help build a community where all young people are valued and have every opportunity to thrive.

Our Vision

A community where all young people are valued, included and have every opportunity to thrive.

Our Purpose

To enable young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support t hey require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our values

Acceptance: We accept and value the diversity of people, cultures and life's experience.

Respect: We respect the rights of others and treat others as we would like to be treated.

Honesty: We are impartial and authentic in our practice and in how we relate to colleagues within and outside of our organisation.

Empowerment: We create a positive environment for staff and young people to make valuable contributions.

Strategic Plan

Read our full Strategic Plan, 2015 - 2018 by clicking this link.