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Youth & Children Services

Imagine

It's your first day back at school. Your shoes are far too big and almost falling apart. Your uniform is well worn and too small. Your parents simply couldn't afford the cost of the books you'll need for the year and you have no lunch.

If you're lucky, you may still have your dreams.

It's hard being poor - especially when you're 12 years old and there's nowhere to hide.

But what's even harder is to keep on believing you could ever achieve anything better. After all, no one expects you to succeed.

Each year, poverty will cause thousands of children to drop out of school.

claire1.jpgFortunately, the Salvos still believe that we can all succeed, and that all it takes is a little faith and a good start.

This year, as every year, we want to help young Australians get the education they deserve by making sure that they are both physically and emotionally ready to start the school year.

 

The Salvation Army operates a small number of innovative and responsive youth programs and is Australia's largest provider of services for young homeless people.

In addition to a number of child and adolescent services, The Salvation Army operates foster care programs and adolescent units providing accommodation for young people at risk.

Some 800 young people are supported in Salvation Army programs every day.

We need your help to ensure that they get the best start and continue to be supported during their school years.