[Taken from the Western Australian guide Signposts]

[Bunyap provided] Alternative accommodation for youth in Bunbury. Described in 1989 as providing crisis accommodation for males and females under 19 years of age with 24 hour access, BUNYAP had four beds which were used for 14-25 year olds. Described in 1995 as providing medium term, supported accommodation services for to up to 9 and emergency accommodation for up to 6 young people.

Sponsoring agency: Agencies for South West Accommodation Inc.

Brief History: The Bunyap Youth Accommodation Project began service in 1983. The Bunbury Youth Accommodation Project Inc became incorporated on 11th November 1987 and continued to provide the BUNYAP service. The group changed its name 25 November 1993 to Bunyap Inc. Bunyap Inc changed its name to Agencies for South West Accommodation Inc 13 February 1997. The service was funded by the Youth Supported Accommodation Program, which was a sub-program of the Commonwealth/State unded Supported Accommodation Assistance Program SAAP). [For notes on this program see the section on SAAP at the beginning ofSignposts]. In 1983, the Department noted the support it gave "to the Bunbury Voluntary Community Group to develop a Youth Accommodation project. Funds have been provided, a co-ordinator employed and premises obtained to cater for the needs of young people between 16-24 years who for various reasons are unable to live at home, and cannot afford private board because of limited incomes. This project has a savings component, which along with practical counselling, will assist young people towards independent living." In 1984, the Annual Report mentioned that the Department should provide assistance to the Youth Hostel to alleviate youth accommodation difficulties where on application to the Hostels, the Department provided financial assistance for continuation of that project." In 1995, BUNYAP's Funding Agreement with the Department outlined the purpose of the funded services, the service objectives and performance indicators:

The purpose of the service was "that marginalised and homeless young people move towards independent living."

Service Objectives:

"Young people have their physical safety and security needs met

Develop the life and social skills of young people.

Assist young people to develop resources.

To develop community resources for young people.

Ensure BUNYAP Inc is operating effectively and efficiently." (Funding Agreement between BUNYAP and Family and Children's Services 1995, as reported in the Out of Home, Preventative and Alternative Care Services Review, "Terms of Reference", Family and Children's Services, 1995).

In 2001 the service provided crisis accommodation for up to 6 young people in a house in Knight Street, Bunbury. Transitional accommodation for up to 9 young people was in various two bedroom and three bedroom units located in the Bunbury area. (Service Agreement with the Department for Community Development). In 2004 Bunyap Youth Support continued to provide safe and supported crisis accommodation to young people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness through its internal and external crisis accommodation programs. Bunyap continues to operate as a 24hour service, 7 days a week ccommodating up to six young people in its crisis house and up to nine young people in medium to long term accommodation. A non-accommodation program is provided through Bunyap's shopfront service open Monday to Friday between 11.00am and 1.00pm (excluding public holidays at 40 Charles Street, Bunbury. The non-accommodation program also continues outside these times with Bunyap youth workers contactable by phone. (Information supplied by Bunyap Staff, August 2004).

Records
Departmental case records for young people placed by the Department may be held by the Department for Child Protection. Case records or other information regarding young people accommodated and/or supported by Bunyap may be stored by the service for a period of up to seven years. The Department may be able to assist people wishing to contact BUNYAP to see if they hold case records or other information that may be useful to people.

Access
While access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire.

Contact
Freedom of Information
Department for Child Protection
PO Box 6334
East Perth WA 6892
Phone: (08) 6217 6388 or (08) 6217 6381
Fax: (08) 9222 2776
Free call in WA: 1800 000 277
Email: foi@dcp.wa.gov.au/

Events

1983? - ?

BUNYAP is located in Bunbury. Location: Bunbury