Our Programs

North Queensland Youth Alcohol + Other Drugs Service

Supporting young people and their families in North Queensland with alcohol and other drug concerns

The North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Service (NQYAODS) is a voluntary integrated treatment and care service for young people experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns.

NQYAODS provides: 

  • Community-based support
  • Residential rehabilitation
  • Cultural, Education and Mental Health Support
  • Cultural oversight for the services offered

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM (YETI)

Location:

Delivered from YETI, Cairns.

Who it supports:

  • Young people aged 12–25 in Cairns and surrounding areas, seeking voluntary support while living at home or in the community.

Program features:

  • Flexible, community-based support tailored to each young person
  • Counselling and case management, including assertive outreach and harm minimisation
  • Access to additional supports, life skills development, and resources
  • Education (DoE) and mental health services (CHHHS)
  • Participation in the YETI Day Program
  • Pre- and post-residential rehabilitation support, including via RADIO
  • Coordinated care, and service links in relevant local areas, including regional support via YETI’s RADIO program in Torres and Cape

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM (YSAS)

Location: 

Edmonton, Cairns; 10-bed centre

Who it supports:

  • Primary: Young people aged 13-18 (priority 16-17) from Cairns, Torres and Cape regions, with a focus on cultural support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people
  • Secondary: Young people from Townsville, Mackay and North West regions (suitability and capacity permitting)
  • Suitable for: young people with vulnerabilities and complex needs for whom other non-residential treatment approaches are insufficient
  • Not suitable for: young people requiring 24/7 medically supervised withdrawal

Program features:

  • 24/7 structured support in a safe, home-like environment
  • Voluntary participation, with stays from 6 weeks up to 6 months
  • Culturally capable and safe care
  • Holistic, individual and group interventions addressing AOD use, mental and physical health, and educational needs
  • Support to maintain family, cultural, and community connections
  • On-site education (DoE) and mental health services (CHHHS)
  • Coordinated pre- and post-discharge support to ensure continuity of care

REFERRAL PROCESS

All referrals to the Community-based Program and the Residential Rehabilitation Program are made via YETI.

  • NQYAODS programs are voluntary and all referrals must be consented to by the young person.
  • Both programs are open to self-referral or referral from community services
  • A centralised intake point manages all referrals
If you or someone you know needs to access the either of the NQYAODS programs, please  contact us for more info.

referrals@yeti.net.au

NQYAODS Publications:

NQYAODS works collaboratively with health, education, and community services to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and culturally safe care.

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Youth Response + Diversion
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We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their ancestors, their spirits, and their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. YETI recognises the sovereignty of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has never been ceded and strongly believes Voice, Truth and Treaty are necessary to heal from the injustices of colonisation.