Two Anchor staff members proudly presented at the National Homelessness Conference in Queensland last week, showcasing one of Anchor’s most impactful initiatives aimed at preventing youth homelessness.

In a session titled “Preventing Homelessness and Focusing on Lived Experience” Leanne Nicholson and Leanne Moody shared insights into Anchor’s Specialist Homeless Children’s Practitioner pilot program. The session explored what inspired the creation of the program, the practical support provided to children and young people, and what our evaluation revealed.

This pilot program is a strong example of how innovative, early intervention strategies can disrupt the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable children. By working directly with young people at risk of homelessness, the program aimed to reduce harm, build resilience and self-determination, and prevent young people from entering the homelessness service system as adults.

It was particularly pleasing to see our homeless children’s practitioner, Leanne Moody get a chance to discuss the support she delivered to the children, and bring the program to life on the national stage through anecdotes and case studies.

The program’s success reinforces Anchor’s commitment to youth homelessness prevention, placing children and young people at the center of solutions that offer real pathways out of homelessness. It highlights the importance of designing responses informed by lived experience, innovation, and collaboration across services.

For a run down on our pilot project including access to the program evaluation and links to media coverage, head to our Specialist Homeless Children’s Worker webpage.