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An NDIS & OOHC Capacity-Building Model by Supporting Communities Australia

Independence isn't assumed. It's Practiced.

A structured capacity-building model for young people aged 12–20 with disability and those in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), designed to build independence based on each young person's unique capacity.

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REGULATE · LEARN · PRACTICE · REFLECT · REGULATE · LEARN · PRACTICE · REFLECT ·

A Structured Capacity-Building Model for Young People with Disability and Those in Care

"Young people don't lack capability. They lack structured opportunity to practice it."
Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas
Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas Founder & CEO Supporting Communities Australia

Elevate Youth Lab is a structured model built on a developmental framework of independence. Rather than doing tasks for young people, it builds the skills, routines, and confidence they need to do things themselves. This happens through a four-stage progression. We don't just provide support. We create the conditions for real, lasting change.

Designed for young people aged 12–20 with disability under the NDIS, Elevate Youth Lab is delivered by trained specialists at Supporting Communities Australia, based in Liverpool and servicing South West and Western Sydney. Each young person's plan is personalised, evidence-informed, and focused on measurable outcomes that matter.

The Pathway to Independence

25%

Engagement & Initiation

We build trust, establish baselines, and begin exploring the young person's goals and strengths. This foundation is critical for everything that follows.

50%

Supported Participation

Tasks are modelled and practised together. The young person begins to lead with guidance, building confidence in their emerging abilities.

75%

Guided Independence

Support fades gradually. The young person takes initiative, with a safety net available when needed. Problem-solving becomes their responsibility.

100%

Independence Achieved

Goals are met at the young person's own pace and capacity. They self-manage with growing confidence, ready to maintain and build on their progress.

"

Independence isn't assumed. It isn't given. It's built deliberately, with the right people beside you.

Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, Creator of Elevate Youth Lab™

Built on Four Pillars

01

REGULATE

We support emotional and physiological regulation as the foundation of learning and independence. A young person can only develop new skills when they are calm, focused, and ready to engage.

∿
02

LEARN

We introduce new skills through structured, evidence-informed teaching adapted to each young person's learning style, pace, and needs. No one-size-fits-all approaches here.

📚
03

PRACTICE

Real independence is built through repetition in real environments, not worksheets or classrooms. Young people practise in the settings where they'll actually need these skills.

✓
04

REFLECT

We review progress openly with participants and families, adjusting our approach based on outcomes. Transparency and continuous improvement are central to our methodology.

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This model is designed for:

  1. Young people aged 12–20 with disability and trauma backgrounds
  2. Young people in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), including those in the care of the Minister
  3. Young people with NDIS funding who are ready to work toward greater independence
  4. Parents, carers and guardians seeking structured, outcomes-focused support

This model is NOT the right fit if:

  1. The young person requires immediate crisis or emergency intervention as their primary support
  2. Intensive behaviour support is needed without existing clinical or therapeutic oversight in place
  3. The young person is not yet ready to engage in structured, goal-focused skill development
  4. The primary need is ongoing psychological or clinical therapy rather than capacity building

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Supporting Communities Australia and Elevate Youth Lab™ are committed to the safety, wellbeing, and best interests of all children and young people we work with, including those in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) and children in the care of the Minister.

We operate in accordance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the NDIS Practice Standards, ensuring every young person who accesses Elevate Youth Lab™ does so in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

Child Safe Culture

We foster a culture where child safety is everyone's responsibility. All staff are trained in trauma-informed, child-safe practice.

OOHC & Minister's Care

EYL is available to young people in Out-of-Home Care, including those in the care of the Minister. We work collaboratively with caseworkers and carers to ensure coordinated, safe support.

Safeguarding & Reporting

We have clear safeguarding policies and mandatory reporting obligations. The safety and wellbeing of every young person is our primary obligation. Always.

Empowerment & Voice

We uphold the right of every young person to be heard, respected, and involved in decisions about their own support, consistent with the National Child Safe Principles.

Ready to Refer a Young Person?

Whether you're an NDIS planner, support coordinator, DCJ caseworker, or family member, complete our short referral form and our team will be in touch within 2 business days. We'll confirm eligibility, answer your questions, and guide you through next steps.

Submit a Referral Now →

Or call us: 0480 800 521

info@supportingcommunitiesaustralia.com

Find Us

Based in Liverpool, NSW — servicing South West and Western Sydney.

Location

Liverpool, NSW 2170
Servicing South West & Western Sydney

Phone

0480 800 521
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