A visionary approach to systems change

Berry Street and Yooralla have merged! These are two of Australia’s longest-serving and most respected social service providers. 

So many people living with disability are also experiencing the effects of trauma. So the union is historic and necessary when you consider just two of the many statistics that ring alarm bells. 

• At least 50% of young people coming into out-of-home care have a visible or unseen disability

• Women with a disability are more likely to be impacted by family violence, typically experience more severe forms of violence and face greater barriers to accessing support.

Host Richelle Hunt is talking to the newly named CEO of Berry Street Yooralla, Terry Symonds, and Deputy CEO Jenny McNaughton, who we spoke to in episode one.

This really is a full circle episode because it demonstrates Berry’s Street’s hard work, innovation and commitment to openly discussing the needs of children and families facing harm and family violence, but also taking steps to make change, and being willing to make significant change. 

It’s an obvious union when you consider that at least 50% of young people coming into out-of-home care have a visible or unseen disability. Women with a disability are more likely to be impacted by family violence, experience more severe forms of violence and face greater barriers to accessing support to better meet a range of intersecting needs. 

 

KEY STATISTICS

• At least 50% of young people coming into out-of-home care have a visible or unseen disability

• Children in out of home care with a disability are amongst the most vulnerable populations in Australia. As at 30 June 2023 45,300 children were in out-of-home care in Australia. Disability status was known for 72% (32,500) of children in care, of whom 21% (9,700) had a disability. Many more have undiagnosed disability. 

• 26% of adults with a disability are victims of intimate partner violence.

• Women with a disability are more likely to be impacted by family violence, typically experience more severe forms of violence and face greater barriers to accessing support.

 

Stories from Berry Street is produced for Berry Street by:

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