Formed in 2002, the Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance was established to:

• facilitate and support the systemic changes needed to offer community based living arrangements to young Australians with acquired disabilities and high or complex support needs currently living in aged care nursing homes (YPINH)
• and prevent other young people with acquired disabilities entering aged care facilities.

The Alliance works collaboratively with YPINH, their families and other stakeholders to develop the supported accommodation alternatives needed achieve these aims and encourages a partnership approach to resolution of the issue by State and Commonwealth governments.

Its membership is drawn from all stakeholder groups including YPINH, family members and friends, service providers, aged care representatives, members of various national and state based peak bodies, government representatives, and advocacy groups.

In addition to encouraging governments to work cooperatively to resolve this problem, the National Alliance is committed to the development of choice in accommodation and support options; and to supporting young people and their families in the exercise of that choice.

As such, the National Alliance is firmly committed to ensuring that young people living in nursing homes and their families have:

• a voice about where they want to live and how they want to be supported
• the capacity to participate in efforts to achieve this, and
• 'a place of the table', so they can be directly involved in the service development needed to have "lives worth living" in the community.

In developing policy initiatives at state and federal levels that promote the dignity, well being and independence of YPINH and their active participation in their communities, the National Alliance works collaboratively with state and federal governments and all stakeholders in this issue.

The Alliance has offices in every state and territory and a national office based in Victoria. State and Territory representatives work at a local and State level to raise awareness of the issue of young people living in aged care facilities; and across jurisdictions to develop sustainable accommodation and support options with government and non-government agencies, YPINH, and other concerned individuals. The National Office is responsible for strategic policy development and co ordinates the work undertaken by state and territory offices. See Contact us for more details.