Our flagship project:
Mobile Support
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The Mobile Support Program (MSP) is our biggest and longest running project. ​We connect young people engaged in the WA criminal legal system with recycled and refurbished smartphones. The device supports young people to connect with their youth worker and youth justice officer, and access other services like accomodation and mental health.
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Why is this so important?
When a young person is sentenced, or awaiting sentencing on community based supervision in WA, generally order requirements include that the young person must report regularly to their assigned youth justice officer. If a young person does not fulfill this requirement, this is considered a breach of their order. Once breached, the order can be suspended or cancelled, with outcomes ranging in severity, including being sent to child prison.
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Children and young people engaged in the youth justice system often lie within cross-sections of vulnerability and experiences of disadvantage. Whilst young people are expected to report to their youth justice officer, for many young people not having access to a mobile phone and being able to afford credit is a major block to fulfilling these requirements. This can result in young people being punished for breaching orders (and the related consequences) where they simply may not have the means to fulfil these requirements.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We work with the sector to find and deliver support where it is needed.
IDENTIFY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO NEED EXTRA SUPPORT
Hello Initiative liaises with community partners to identify young people who would benefit from more reliable access to mobile technology.
We accept referrals from these frontline agencies to provide mobile devices and funding for mobile credit.
PROVIDE ACCESS TO A MOBILE DEVICE
Hello Initiative provides a smartphone device to the community partner.
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All our phones are recycled and refurbished smartphones. We accept donations from the community and work with businesses to give their old fleets a new lease on life.
PROVIDE RELIABLE ACCESS TO MOBILE CREDIT
Hello Initiative provides consistent mobile credit to eligible young people with access to unlimited calls and texts as well as mobile data.
LIAISE WITH OUR COMMUNITY
We touch base with our community partner once a month to see how the young person is doing, and make sure they still need the support.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
In this day and age, a mobile phone is much more than just a device.
COURT AND LEGAL SUPPORT
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Facilitates ongoing contact with legal support workers such as diversion officers and lawyers.
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Stay bailed in the community.
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Report and maintaining supervision requirements.
BUILD SOCIAL SYSTEMS
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Connect to broad network of professional supports such as counsellors and social workers.
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Facilitate ongoing referrals to crisis supports
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Maintain family and community networks.
DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS
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Learn to organise and manage responsibilities, such as appointments.
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Ease of contact with government services
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Learn to manage personal finances
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Practice responsibility and ownership skills.
TESTIMONIAL - LARA, SUPPORT WORKER
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"When young people don’t have access to a phone, the only way we can contact them is to drive out to their homes, which is time-consuming. Hello Initiative has allowed us to spend our time more productively. Hello Initiative has improved client participation in our program by allowing young people to stay connected to their support workers."