For every $1 invested in youth work, the community gets $2.96 in social and economic benefits.
As part of our campaign, YACVic commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to produce an independent analysis of the return on investment (ROI) in youth work.
Deloitte’s Social Return on Investment study, published July 2026, shows that for every $1 invested in the youth sector, young people and the community gain $2.96 in benefits. That’s nearly a threefold return on investment.
The results are clear: youth work delivers significant value to Victorians, making youth services a smart investment for the government.
Highlights from the study:
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The youth sector delivers $657 million in benefits to young Victorians aged 12-25, through improved outcomes across mental health, education, employment, housing, youth justice and health.
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The community gains $363 million in benefits from funding youth work in education and employment alone.
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The justice system gains $17 million in benefits due to youth work. Existing youth programs help reduce reoffending rates and save the justice system up to $4.4 million.
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Youth work produces $239 million dollars of benefits by addressing youth mental health and wellbeing.
The latest report is an updated version of the SROI report Deloitte conducted for YACVic in 2022.