Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) has earned accreditation from Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL). This shows that our health services meet national standards for clinical governance, safety, and quality.
BYS CEO Pam Barker said the accreditation was an important milestone for the organisation.
“AGPAL accreditation provides independent confirmation that our health services meet recognised safety and quality standards,” Pam said.
It strengthens the trust that young people, supporters, and partners place in BYS, and reflects a shared commitment across our organisation to providing high-quality care.
Young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness often face barriers to mental and physical health care. These include costs, paperwork, stigma, and past trauma.
BYS provides free health care that supports young people and their children as they move towards stability, safety, and independence.
What AGPAL accreditation means for young people
AGPAL accreditation means our health services have been independently reviewed and shown to have strong systems in place to support:
- accessible, culturally safe, and patient-centred care
- safe and consistent care
- clear clinical oversight
- continuous improvement.
The accreditation also looks at how services operate day to day, including how we protect privacy and manage risk, providing young people with reassurance that they are accessing care in a safe and supportive environment.
Why health care matters for young people
Young people accessing BYS often face complex health challenges. In 2024–25, among young people who first accessed BYS:
- more than half reported a mental health diagnosis, most commonly anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- two in five experienced suicidal ideation
- nearly one in three identified self-harming behaviours
- one in four had a serious physical health issue.1
However, timely access to support can make a difference. After receiving help from BYS:
- 76% of young people said their physical health improved
- 70% said their mental health improved.2
Looking ahead
AGPAL accreditation reflects our commitment to better health outcomes for young people experiencing homelessness.
Most importantly, it contributes to young people feeling supported, respected and confident as they access the care they need.
1 Intake data, 2024-25
2 % of all young people who exited in 2024-25
We’re nearly 50!
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has walked alongside young people facing disadvantage and homelessness. Almost five decades on, our mission remains: helping Brisbane’s young people shape new futures. As we approach our golden jubilee in 2027, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and resilience of young people, listening to their voices, and driving lasting change, together.
We’re nearly 50!
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has walked alongside young people facing disadvantage and homelessness. Almost five decades on, our mission remains: helping Brisbane’s young people shape new futures. As we approach our golden jubilee in 2027, we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and resilience of young people, listening to their voices, and driving lasting change, together.