6 days ago
Famous Australian Catholic priest Father Chris Riley dies aged 70
Founder of Youth Off The Streets, Father Chris Riley AM, has died aged 70.
'He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives,' chairperson of the charity's board Anne Fitzgerald said.
Riley worked with disadvantaged youth for more than 35 years in a variety of roles including teacher, youth worker, probation officer, residential carer and principal. He officially founded Youth Off The Streets in 1991.
As CEO of Youth Off The Streets, Riley oversaw the operation of over 25 programs which employ over 180 staff and involve more than 250 volunteers.
He had implemented innovative behaviour modification strategies to help young people deal with a history of trauma, abuse and neglect.
Many of these strategies have been adopted by schools across Australia and by government agencies.
Riley was famous for saying there was no such thing as a 'child born bad', but acknowledges that there are bad environments, circumstances and families that impact negatively on our young. 'We must have the courage to demand greatness from our youth'
