Frequently Asked Questions
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?
Do you have to medically detox before coming into the program?
Do we take people with mental health issues or people with eating disorders?
How do I get my loved one into the New Life Centre?
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?
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.
Does TCQ accept applications from people at Correctional Facilities?
Teen Challenge QLD is committed to helping those that are struggling with life controlling issues. We are willing to correspond with those currently incarcerated or being held on remand. However, our ability to do so can be affected by demand and the limited availability of beds. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can Teen Challenge clients in a residential treatment program have contact with family and friends?
Are Teen Challenge clients in residential programs permitted to smoke?
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?
Does Teen Challenge pray for its clients?
The very existence of Teen Challenge QLD is focused on ‘Restoring Hope and Rebuilding Lives’. This is not just the core of what we do, but who we are. Our passion and commitment to see men and women set free from the destructive lifestyle of addiction, is unwavering.
Our recovery program focuses on individual needs. We understand that addiction is only a symptom of underlying issues, so we are invested in the recovery of the men and women in our care, by helping them to unpack those issues to live a full and purposeful life.
Many of the young people that come through our doors are so broken that it is only God who can reach into their heart to bring healing and provide hope.

Joanne Hobbs
Executive Director