Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) was proud to receive the Thriving Communities Initiative Award at the Queensland Child Protection Week Awards on 4 September 2025.
These awards honour individuals and organisations working to prevent child harm and neglect. At BYS, this commitment means taking action to protect children, educate young people about healthy relationships, reduce the number of children in care, and prevent homelessness.
Brisbane Youth Service CEO Pam Barker said recognising the strengths and resilience of young people was at the heart of this work.
“We see young people for the potential they have, not the problems they’re facing,” Pam said.
Pictured: BYS CEO Pam Barker and Young Women, Families and Safe Relationships Senior Manager Lou Baker
Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service has been a lifeline for young Queenslanders aged 12–25. In 2024–25, BYS delivered 82,992 occasions of support – a 21% increase on the year before.
Half of those supported are experiencing homelessness, and 30% are parents, many with newborns.
The award highlighted Brisbane Youth Service’s innovative programs addressing key gaps in early intervention:
- Safe Young Mums and Bubs: a 24/7 residential program offering safe housing, parenting support, and domestic violence recovery for pregnant and parenting 16-25-year-olds.
- Ruby’s Reunification Program: short-term respite with structured support and counselling to help reconnect 12–15-year-olds with safe family environments.
“This is a really exciting change in the way we approach this work,” said Brisbane Youth Service Young Women, Families, and Safe Relationships Senior Manager Lou Baker.
“These are really challenging times for young people. There’s so much domestic violence, it’s an absolute crisis. We need to be brave, we need to be innovative, and we’re grateful that the Queensland Government is on board.”
This achievement was made possible thanks to our partners and supporters, including NAPCAN, the Queensland Government, PeakCare Queensland, and the Queensland Family and Child Commission.
You can help create new futures for young people. Whether through donations, advocacy, or simply sharing this message, your support matters.
Donate today at give.brisyouth.org.
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.