For Parents - minus18

For Parents

For Parents - minus18

FOR PARENTS

minus18 was originally set up in 1998 by parents of same sex attracted youth. For the first 5 years, PFlag Victoria was the driving force behind minus18, and their support was fundamental in setting minus18 up. Over the years minus18 grew to the point where it was no longer viable to operate it under PFlag, and minus18 is now auspiced by The ALSO Foundation, one of Melbourne's main Gay & Lesbian support and advocacy services. We still have a strong relationship with PFlag, while the main administration is managed by ALSO.

minus18 events are organised and run by a committee up to 12 young people ranging in ages between 16 and 22. The committee are responsible for planning location, entertainment, publicity, and running the majority of the event on the day. The committee also includes a representative from the Victorian Police Gay & Lesbian Liaison Officers, and ALSO staff. minus18 events are predominantly run for youth, by youth, however minus18 has a strong support network and plenty of adult supervision at the events.

minus18 receives funding under the Victorian Government's FReeZA program. As part of a contract with the government there are a number of guidelines that are followed in order to keep all patrons safe.

minus18's support doesn't end at minus18 events. Chaperones meet patrons at a nearby train station and travel with them either on foot or by tram to the door of the venue. At the end of the event chaperones also take patrons back to the same station. And the minus18 mobile phone is also available for patrons to call if they get lost on the way to an event.

When choosing things such as venue & entertainment, minus18 takes great care to ensure that the decisions that are made are appropriate for patrons.

minus18 is always keen to hear from parents - either because you're still a little bit unsure about allowing your son/daughter to attend and have further questions, or because you have some feedback to give minus18 about an event they've attended.

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