Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) is proud to be the first in Queensland to launch Ruby’s, an early intervention program designed to keep families together and prevent children from entering the homelessness system.
With homelessness at crisis point in Brisbane and too few beds available to meet the need, early intervention is critical to relieving pressure on a system struggling to keep up – especially as young people are among the hardest hit by the housing crisis.
BYS CEO, Pam Barker, stresses that investment in early intervention programs provides the tools to prevent crisis, rather than simply managing it.
“Programs like Ruby’s are about turning off the taps – intervening early so young people don’t end up in the homelessness system,” said Pam.
We know what works. When families get the right support at the right time, we can change the trajectory – keeping young people connected, out of crisis and on a path to reach their full potential.
What is Ruby’s?
Funded by the Department of Child Safety, Ruby’s provides early intervention support for children aged 12-15 years and their families.
By offering short-term stays for children with 24/7 support in a safe, home-like environment, the program creates a circuit breaker for families in crisis.
Through structured mediation, tailored support plans and time apart, Ruby’s helps children and their families navigate conflict, strengthen relationships and build safer futures.
A model that works
The Ruby’s model has already delivered strong outcomes in South Australia. In 2024 alone, the program provided over 5,500 hours of free mediation and family support, with remarkable results:
💜 100% of young people remained in contact with their families.
🏠 91% were able to safely return home (ABC News, 2024).
BYS Early Intervention Manager, Liz Mataafa, saw firsthand the impact of Ruby’s while visiting Adelaide and returned inspired to launch the program in Queensland.
“Seeing Ruby’s in action made it clear – this model works. Many families need respite, not just mediation, to reset and rebuild relationships,” said Liz.
Our Safe and Connected Futures program helped strengthen connections, but without that circuit breaker, we couldn’t go far enough. Now, with Ruby’s and the support of the Department of Child Safety, we can offer children and their families the time, space and guidance to stay together.
Investing in proven early intervention programs like Ruby’s is critical to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness.
With the right support, children and young people can stay connected to their families and out of crisis, easing pressure on the broader homelessness system.
By funding what works, governments can drive meaningful change – creating new futures where all young people have the opportunity to thrive.
*ABC News (2024) Ruby’s House: Conflict resolution for young people at risk of homelessness, ABC News, 4 December. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-04/rubys-house-conflict-resolution-young-people-homelessness/104673552 (Accessed: 26 February 2025)