For young people 12 to 20 with disability, trauma or complex backgrounds
Most services manage behaviour. We build independence.
If you have been told your young person is "too complex," "not ready," or "too hard" — they are exactly who Elevate Youth Lab™ is for. A four-stage mentoring model built from eight years on the frontline of Western Sydney youth services. Trauma-informed. NDIS, DCJ, and school funded. Delivered through Supporting Communities Australia.
Quick Answer
Elevate Youth Lab™ (EYL) is a proprietary four-stage youth mentoring framework developed in-house by Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas. EYL is delivered exclusively through Supporting Communities Australia for young people aged 12 to 20 across Sydney, funded through NDIS, DCJ, school, private, or philanthropic pathways. It is not a licensed or franchised model and is unique to SCA.
Key Facts
Elevate Youth Lab in Numbers
4
structured stages from engagement to independence
8+
years of frontline experience behind the framework
12–20
age range of young people the framework is designed for
5+
funding pathways supported: NDIS, DCJ, Education, private, philanthropic
EYL was not designed in a classroom. It was designed in the houses, parks, and community centres of Western Sydney, with the young people the NDIS and DCJ systems are actually serving.Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, creator of the Elevate Youth Lab framework, Founder of Supporting Communities Australia.
We don’t manage behaviour. We build independence.
Elevate Youth Lab is the four-stage mentoring model we built because the system kept treating these young people as too hard. Rather than managing behaviour, it builds the skills, routines and confidence they need to lead their own lives. From crisis and support-dependent, to self-led and capable.
It is grounded in a simple truth: independence isn’t assumed, it’s built. Rapport first. Capacity second. Independence always.
Designed for young people aged 12 to 20 with disability, trauma or complex backgrounds. Delivered by trained specialists at Supporting Communities Australia, based in Liverpool and servicing Greater Sydney, with plans to reach young people across Australia.
The Pathway to Independence
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.
Supported Participation
Tasks are modelled and practised together. The young person begins to lead with guidance, building confidence in their emerging abilities.
Guided Independence
Support fades gradually. The young person takes initiative, with a safety net available when needed. Problem-solving becomes their responsibility.
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.
Built on Four Pillars
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.
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.
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.
REFLECT
We review progress openly with participants and families, adjusting our approach based on outcomes. Transparency and continuous improvement are central to our methodology.
This model is designed for:
- Young people aged 12–20 with disability and trauma backgrounds
- Young people in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC), including those in the care of the Minister
- Young people with NDIS funding who are ready to work toward greater independence
- Parents, carers and guardians seeking structured, outcomes-focused support
This model is NOT the right fit if:
- The young person requires immediate crisis or emergency intervention as their primary support
- Intensive behaviour support is needed without existing clinical or therapeutic oversight in place
- The young person is not yet ready to engage in structured, goal-focused skill development
- 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.
Free guide · Sound familiar?
Supporting young people can feel harder than it should.
- ·You repeat the same reminders, day after day.
- ·Big emotional reactions catch you off guard.
- ·You feel stuck between protecting and pushing.
- ·Refusal, shutdown, argument, avoidance keep showing up.
Behaviour is the message. The guide shows you how to read it.
Send me the guide →
What is inside the guide
Four outcomes. One calm sequence.
Build confidence
Empower young people to believe in themselves.
Develop skills
Practical strategies for real-world growth.
Strengthen relationships
Create trust without power struggles.
Foster independence
Support young people to thrive on their own.
Inside the guide: why power struggles happen, what skill-building actually is, and the calm sequence that lets young people learn.
Send it to me
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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.comFrequently Asked Questions
What is Elevate Youth Lab?
Elevate Youth Lab (EYL) is a youth development initiative created by Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas. It delivers programs focused on independence skills, leadership development, and real-world preparation for young people across Greater Sydney and expanding Australia-wide.
Who created Elevate Youth Lab?
EYL was created by Yosmerys Aparicio Cuencas, Founder of Supporting Communities Australia, drawing on over eight years of frontline experience in youth and community services.
What programs does EYL offer?
EYL offers youth independence skills programs, leadership development workshops, and structured mentoring that connects young people with experienced professionals in youth and social services.
Where does Elevate Youth Lab operate?
EYL operates across South West Sydney, Western Sydney, and Greater Sydney, with plans to expand its reach across Australia.
How can I get involved with EYL?
You can get involved by contacting us at info@supportingcommunitiesaustralia.com or calling 0480 800 521. We welcome participants, mentors, and partner organisations.
Make a Referral
Refer a Young Person to EYL
For young people aged 12 to 20 across Greater Sydney. Delivered through Supporting Communities Australia, a registered NDIS provider. We respond within 2 business days.
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