What is the New Life Centre?

The New Life Centre is Teen Challenge QLD’s residential rehabilitation Centre, based out of Toowoomba, QLD. Participants are referred to as ‘students’ or ‘clients’, and the program is voluntary in nature.

How can I apply?

If you are interested in coming into our residential program, or would like some more information, simply fill out the Support Services Contact Form or call the TCQ administration office on 3422 1500. Your information will be passed onto the Assessment Officer who will contact you to answer your questions and begin the assessment process.

How old do you have to be to enter the program?

Teen Challenge QLD offers residential rehabilitation between the ages of 18 - 45 for men and 18 - 39 for women. New Hope House offers emergency accommodation for young men between the ages of 16 - 25. For clients that fall outside these age parameters, the family support officer and assessment officer can assist them in finding a more appropriate service.

Do you have to medically detox before coming into the program?

The New Life Centre is not a detox or withdrawal program, and as such clients are required to fully detox before coming into the residential program. The Assessment Officer can assist clients in understanding whether a medical detox is necessary in their situation; depending on the substance/substances used, amount taken, and length of use. ​ There are specific substances that require medical detox (meaning: admission to a withdrawal/detox unit at a hospital, for approximately one week) as withdrawal from these substances without medical supervision can be dangerous and have some health ramifications. Most detox/withdrawal programs are covered by Medicare, and referrals can be made through a GP. ​ Always speak to your GP about the best course of action that will keep you safe and healthy.

Do we take people with mental health issues or people with eating disorders?

Teen Challenge QLD assesses each enquiry on an individual basis to determine whether our services are an appropriate fit. Clients that come into our program can often present with co-occurring substance use issues, mental health concerns, behavioural issues, or eating disorders. TCQ believes in healing for the whole person: physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially, and spiritually.

How do I get my loved one into the New Life Centre?

The New Life Centre is a voluntary program, and the active and willing participation of students is necessary for recovery. ​ Clients must be willing to access help for themselves. Family members cannot go through this journey for them. As family members and loved ones, this can be a challenging time. It is important to equip yourself with knowledge and resources, be communicative and supportive, but understand your own limits and boundaries. ​ TCQ has a dedicated Family Support Worker for families going through this difficult time. There are also many other services that can assist families in making the choices that are best for themselves and their young person. Please ask.

What is Teen Challenge?

Teen Challenge began in New York City in 1958 and now has representation in more than 123 nations including Australia. The Australian Teen Challenge program commenced in 1971 and now has operations in each of the states. Each Australian state based program is independently incorporated, governed by a Board of Directors from that state. We have strong connections and relationships with other states but no formal affiliations nationally or internationally.

What qualifications do Teen Challenge QLD staff possess?

The minimum level qualification for all Teen Challenge staff with client contact is a nationally accredited Certificate IV in Youth Work or Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work or working towards these qualifications. Teen Challenge also employs staff with bachelor level qualifications in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling and Theology.

Does Teen Challenge have professional medical and mental health support for its clients?

Teen Challenge has contractual arrangements with general practitioners and mental health professionals who participate in the case management of clients on a day to day basis.

Are clients in the residential rehabilitation program required to contribute Centrelink payments to help with the cost of the program?

The entirety of each student's Centrelink payments contributes towards program expenses. Each fortnight, an amount is set aside for students to use for personal items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc), confectionary, soft drink or savings.

Are clients in residential treatment programs under lock and key?

Teen Challenge residential facilities never lock clients in and clients may depart at their own discretion. However, should a client depart from the program without permission, they may be in breach of the terms of their continued participation in the program. A client can negotiate with their caseworker to leave the Centre to attend to personal matters at any time.

Does TCQ accept applications from people at Correctional Facilities?

Teen Challenge QLD is committed to helping those that are struggling with life controlling issues, including those that are incarcerated or being held on remand. Each application is assessed on an individual basis, and takes into account their criminal history, ongoing court matters, and other relevant information.

However, please note that while we are willing to engage with those in correctional facilities, and begin to work towards an assessment for once they’re released, we are unable to be considered as their bail or parole address.

Can Teen Challenge clients in a residential treatment program have contact with family and friends?

A client can expect to have regular contact with family and friends during their time at the New Life Centres. Clients can arrange for family and friends to visit them at the Centre and are free to visit family and friends during staff approved weekend leave from the program. ​ During the initial stage of their recovery, contact (including telephone calls) with family and friends is restricted while they settle into and become accustomed to life in the program. Correspondence via mail is permitted at all times.

Are Teen Challenge clients in residential programs permitted to smoke?

The New Life Centre Rehabilitation Program treats the whole person as they recover from addiction. The New Life Centre is therefore a 'smoke free zone'. Clients are informed about this prior to entry and are supported by the Assessment Officers in the referral process. Clients are encouraged to use nicotine patches and other products that will assist with the process of withdrawal, and to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked each day prior to entry. ​ New Hope House and Outreach Services do not insist clients refrain from smoking.

Where does Teen Challenge get its funding?

Teen Challenge employs a range of funding initiatives including event fundraising, donor campaigns and sponsorship programs. Teen Challenge has successfully applied for government funding for specific projects and for capital improvements.

Is Teen Challenge associated with a particular religious denomination?

​TCQ is not affiliated with any religious denomination; and works alongside all Christian churches and denominations for referral and support services.

To what extent is Christianity taught in Teen Challenge programs?

All aspects of the program are conducted in accordance with a Christian framework. Students have the opportunity to attend church and participate in regular Bible studies. ​ While Christian beliefs provide the basis of all Teen Challenge programs, compatible psychological principles and therapeutic approaches are integrated from a variety of theoretical models to support the recovery of the people in need.

Does Teen Challenge pray for its clients?

TCQ staff are available to pray for clients on request and will do so only with a clients consent.