Street Chat
Street Chat is a project that commenced in November 2008. The project allows the Youth Worker to engage with young people via the use of the Internet.
Street Chat offers young people a new way to access support to assist them with any issues they may be experiencing.
In seeking support in this manner, young people do not have to worry about some of the negative connotations associated with accessing a 'walk in' agency. It allows a young person to seek support from a place where they feel safe and comfortable.
To access this service, please read below. You must agree to the terms of use before being able to access support online.
Street Chat offers young people a new way to access support to assist them with any issues they may be experiencing.
In seeking support in this manner, young people do not have to worry about some of the negative connotations associated with accessing a 'walk in' agency. It allows a young person to seek support from a place where they feel safe and comfortable.
To access this service, please read below. You must agree to the terms of use before being able to access support online.
Terms of Use:
- Street Chat operates via the use of Windows LiveMessenger. You must arrange an appointment prior to being able to chat to the Youth Worker. An appointment can be arranged by sending an email to streetnet@live.com.au A response will then be given to you with a date and time to log onto Messenger and what the Youth Workers username will be.
- At the beginning of your contact, the Youth Worker will spend a bit of time getting themself and you clear about what the problem or problems are. Sometimes if you have a serious problem, the Youth Worker may suggest ringing a support number or making a referral to a specialised agency.
- The Youth Worker is qualified within the field and has many years experience in assisting people to work through their problems; however you personally remain repsonsible for the choices you make and the actions you take.
- When you use Street Chat, what is written during this time is not shared with anyone else. The only time this agreement can be broken is if you told the Youth Worker something that was a 'Duty of Care' situation.
- A 'Duty of Care' situation is when you advise that:
1. Someone is hurting you or not looking after you properly.
2. You are seriously thinking about harming yourself.
3. You have harmed or are seriously thinking about harming someone else. If you adivse the Youth Worker about one of these things, the Youth Worker will let you know that they are concerned and will work with you to try and make sure that you and others are safe. This may mean requesting information about youself so that actions may be put in place.
- If you are engaged with the Youth Worker for a few sessions, notes will be kept on the transcripts to assist the youth Worker with remembering your particular problems. These notes will be stored in a secure location.
- Something to think about is how secure your messages are on the web. There are hackers and viruses out there and it can never be totally secure or private. Street Net has not control over this and no control over a system malfunction during or prior to an arranged appoitment. The Youth Worker will endeavour to contact you and arrange a further appointment should this occur.
- If you agree with all of the above and you would like to continue and engage with the Youth Worker, please send an email requesting a 'chat' time.
