The Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS) was established in 1997 in response to the need for accessible, effective and engaging alcohol and drug interventions for young people between the ages of 12 - 21 who are experiencing significant problems with their alcohol and/or drug use. The YSAS service framework, based on the following five elements, is both practical and philosophical. It involves:

• relationship-based service provision
• proactive service delivery
• holistic health care
• health promotion
• a learning/evolving approach to practice development

YSAS provides a range of youth-specific outreach, treatment, withdrawal, rehabilitation and support programs in a number of locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

These services currently include:

• youth drug and alcohol outreach
• youth home-based withdrawal
• youth community residential drug withdrawal
• youth residential rehabilitation
• day programs
• youth supported accommodation
• statewide telephone referral service
• education and training programs

YSAS is a partnership between:

The Centre for Adolescent Health,
Jesuit Social Services,
St Vincent's Hospital,
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre,

and is a Company Limited by Guarantee.

YSAS is funded primarily by the State Government, through the Department of Human Services.