Youth Justice team shines spotlight on youth homelessness

Published: 17 Apr 2026

The Department of Corrections Youth Justice staff supported 2 young people from youth detention to take part in Anglicare NT’s couch surfing event for Youth Homelessness Matters Day.

Decorated couches lined Civic Park in Darwin, alongside information stalls showcasing support for young people experiencing homelessness.

Our youth worked with a local program provider on impressive artwork for this year’s couch, which took out third place for best dressed couch.

This year marked the third time our young people participated, reinforcing the importance of community connection and raising awareness.

The event was engaging and full of community spirit, featuring couch viewing and voting, live music, community stalls and the highly anticipated couch racing.

Youth Justice Programs Director, Renae Scown said it’s the third year youth detainees have participated in the event, which is an opportunity to engage in healthy competition, build confidence and be part of something positive.

While couches brought the fun, the message behind the day was an important one. For many young people, homelessness can look like moving between friends’ houses, staying with relatives or living in overcrowded homes to get by.

Youth homelessness remains a significant challenge in the Northern Territory, with thousands of young people aged 12 to 25 without stable housing on any given night.

Events like this helps draw attention to the high rate of youth homelessness in the Territory, and gives young Territorians an opportunity to gather together, be creative and have fun.