Who We Are
About Us
45 years of experience supporting young women and young people facing homelessness in lutruwita / Tasmania.
Vision
A future where all young Tasmanians are nurtured, protected, and inspired to succeed.
Our Values
Hope
Kindness
Safety
Accountability
Innovation
Our Story
For more than 45 years, Karinya Youth Services Tasmania has been walking alongside young people, offering not just a place to stay but a place to feel safe, supported, and seen.
As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we provide support that goes far beyond immediate crisis.
Karinya began as a crisis accommodation service, and over time has grown to meet the changing and diverse needs of young people.
In 2025, we changed our name from Karinya Young Women's Service to Karinya Youth Services Tasmania, reflecting our continued growth and our commitment to supporting all young people.
Our Karinya Crisis Accommodation program supports up to six young women at a time, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can stabilise, rebuild, and move forward. Our Karinya Young Mums (KYM) program supports young pregnant women and young parents, and our Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy (KYTT) program provides transitional housing for young people aged 16–24.
In 2025, we also created the Karinya Pantry in partnership with OzHarvest, providing access to nutritious food and everyday essentials in response to growing food insecurity among the young people we serve.
We understand that "family" looks different for everyone. That is why our approach is always person-centred, shaped around each young person's story, strengths, and goals. We work collaboratively with partners across government and the community to ensure support is coordinated, responsive, and meaningful.
Because at Karinya, it is not just about responding to crisis. It is about walking alongside young people as they find safety, stability, and hope.
Acknowledgement of country
Acknowledging the Palawa people
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, the Palawa people of lutruwita (Tasmania), and pay our deep respects to Elders past and present.
We recognise the strength, resilience and enduring cultural knowledge of Aboriginal people, and honour their continuing connection to land, waterways, community and culture.
In our work with young people, we are guided by our values of hope, safety, kindness, innovation, and accountability. We are committed to creating culturally safe spaces where young people feel respected, supported, and heard.
We commit to listening, learning, and working alongside Aboriginal communities, and to supporting the voices, leadership, and futures of Aboriginal young people.
We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and we stand in support of truth-telling, justice, and equity for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our commitment
Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Young People
Karinya Youth Services Tas is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and protective environment for all children and young people who engage with our services.
Safeguarding children and young people is a core responsibility of our organisation and is central to our values, governance, service delivery, and workforce practices.
We recognise that children and young people have the right to feel safe, to be heard, to be respected, and to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and grooming.
Karinya Youth Services Tas has zero tolerance for abuse and neglect of children and young people. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Every individual within Karinya must place the best interests, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people at the centre of their actions and decisions.
All personnel, including Board and committee members, employees, casual staff, volunteers, and contractors, are required to actively uphold Karinya's safeguarding commitments at all times. Failure to comply is considered misconduct. Disciplinary action may include suspension, dismissal, and/or reporting to police where a breach of law is involved.
Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework
Child and Youth Safe Standards
At Karinya, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. Our approach is guided by Tasmania's Child and Youth Safe Standards:
We put the safety and wellbeing of children and young people first.
We create environments where young people feel empowered, heard, and respected.
Families and communities are welcomed and included in the support journey.
Equity is upheld, and diverse needs are recognised and responded to.
The people who work with young people are suitable, supported, and well trained.
Concerns and complaints are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to keep young people safe.
We actively manage risks to child safety in physical and online environments.
We regularly review and improve our policies, procedures, and practices.
We document and maintain strong child-safe practices across all areas of our work.
We work within the Reportable Conduct Scheme, when something isn't right, we act. We listen, we respond, and we make sure young people are supported every step of the way.
Cultural safety is part of this too. We honour and respect the identity, culture, and connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and we are committed to creating spaces where they feel safe, strong, and seen.