Father Chris Riley – famous for his powerful saying about children – dies aged 70 after a lifetime of kind acts around Australia

Youth Off The Streets founder Father Chris Riley has died, aged 70, following a battle with illness.

He spent much of his life working with disadvantaged youth in a variety of roles including teacher, youth worker, probation officer, residential carer and principal. 

Father Riley was famous for saying there was no such thing as a ‘child born bad’, but acknowledged that there are bad environments, circumstances and families that impact negatively on youth. 

‘We must have the courage to demand greatness from our youth,’ he said.

Youth Off The Streets was established in 1991 with a single food van in Kings Cross.

The charity expanded into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and support services now run by 180 staff and 250 volunteers.

Father Riley implemented innovative behaviour modification strategies to help troubled youh deal with trauma, abuse and neglect, many of which were adopted by schools and government agencies across Australia. 

‘He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives,’ Youth Off The Streets board chairwoman Anne Fitzgerald said.   

Founder of Youth Off The Streets, Father Chris Riley AM, has died aged 70

NSW Premier Chris Minns led the outpouring of tributes.

‘Father Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity young lives can be transformed,’ he said.

‘On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Youth Off The Streets community, and the countless young people whose futures he helped build.’

More to come.