- What works Australia: a new resource for the youth sector
-
ACYS news
What's coming up in 'Youth Studies Australia'?
The changing relationship between the generations: It could even be good news?
Independence, individualism and connection among share householders
Should inhalants be included in Australian school-based drug education?
Breaking a spell of silence: The Tasmanian evaluation of the 2006 Pride and Prejudice program
Minimum standards for quality education for refugee youth (Programs and Practice paper)
- ABUSE -- Young people who sexually abuse: Key issues
- ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS
Trust matters
ActNow Youth Poll 07
- CARE AND PROTECTION
The mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents in home-based foster care
UK's pilot mentoring project for young people in care
- CAREERS
Graduate surveys from GCA
Career quizzes for students
'TeenMatters' careers special
- CRIME AND JUSTICE
Award-winning program: Chance on Main
Juveniles in detention in Australia, 1981–2005
- DISABILITIES
Young people in nursing homes
Australian Association for Families of Children with a Disability
Enabling their voices
- DISCRIMINATION -- 2006 Community Awareness Survey
- DRUGS
It's true ... cannabis use increases the risk of anxiety and depression
Where there's smoke: Cannabis and mental health
For Indigenous carers and families affected by alcohol and drugs
- EDUCATION
Linking to learn and learning to link: Building integrated systems of school-based support for children and families in a disadvantaged community
School engagement and life chances
Indigenous education and the YALP program
- EMPLOYMENT
Australian Apprenticeships
A Tasmanian perspective
- ETHNIC YOUTH ISSUES -- Young Australian Muslim of the Year
- FUNDING -- Change-maker grants for youth advocates
- HEALTH -- Rural Australia recommends
- HOMELESSNESS
Burdekin launches a new national inquiry into youth homelessness
Homeless SAAP clients with mental health and substance use problems
Young people, homelessness and the law
- INDIGENOUS YOUTH ISSUES
Yapeneyepuk - Worawa Indigenous education conference
Child care plan to benefit Indigenous communities
- INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Millennium Development Goals updates
Youth obesity initiatives
Raleigh partners with youth organisations
- MEDIA
UNICEF calls for entries for children's broadcasting award
Hot topic: The sexualisation of young girls
- MENTAL HEALTH
Youth mental health funding grants
Good news too!
Black dog raises awareness about youth depression
Streetwize comic for the YBBLUE website
COOL TEENS CD-ROM: an update
- MENTORING
- MOVEMENTS, CHANGES, MILESTONES
- PARTICIPATION
NSW youth challenged to take action
Heywire youth cause 40-hour drought
- RESEARCH -- Mindfields program helps at-risk youth
- RURAL YOUTH -- Rural and regional youth on the move
- SAFETY AND RISK-TAKING -- Adolescent brain development, parenting and injury prevention
- SEXUAL HEALTH
Opinions on sex education
Get Clued Up on Chlamydia
Raising awareness about HepC
Sex advice via SMS
Sexual health training CD ROM for youth workers
Young women and reproductive health issues
- TECHNOLOGY
E-learning technology funding
Students aren't information literate
- WELFARE -- Towards new indicators of disadvantage
- YOUTH AFFAIRS
National Youth Week
National youth affairs conference: 'Are We There Yet? Past learnings, current realities and future directions for youth affairs in Australia'
- YOUTH DEVELOPMENT -- Youth development projects in south-eastern Sydney
- YOUTH WORK
What Works survey
Youth work code of ethics
NSW youth work conference
- YOUTH WORK TRAINING
The Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Development Work
- YOUR feedback about this newsletter
YFX March
This edition of the YFX newsletter highlights a new national inquiry into youth homelessness, launched by Prof. Brian Burdekin, author of the 1989 report, 'Our homeless children'. It begins with a national call for input into a new series of case studies on what works in youth work practice in Australia:
1. What works Australia: a new resource for the youth sector
Your input is needed for a new resource for the youth sector in Australia: three publications of case studies about practice in the youth field in Australia. The aim is to document and publicise 36 stories or case-studies of effective practice in the youth sector, and give those involved in projects the opportunity to reflect on their work and to share those reflections with others in the field.
The idea comes from the International Youth Foundation's 'What Works' Series, and the Foundation for Young Australians has asked the Australian Youth Research Centre to put the series together. Besides providing information, inspiration and advice to others, the series will help outline the essentials of getting a successful project off the ground and will document the wide range of projects out there that are positively engaging young people.
A key feature of this project is that the needs of young people, youth workers and others participating in the youth sector will be reflected in these publications. To make these publications useful to youth workers, youth policy workers and active young people, the Youth Research Centre wants input from a wide range of practitioners as to the topics to be covered, and the format for this resource. Contribute your input by completing the What Works survey on the YRC website http://www.edfac.unimelb.edu.au/yrc/taylor_surveys/what_works.html.
If you would rather complete a hard-copy of the questionnaire, or to complete it by email or over the phone, then contact the YRC at the address below. (They'll phone you back long distance if necessary). Contact details: Fiona Taylor, Research Fellow, Australian Youth Research Centre, Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010; email: taylorf[AT]unimelb.edu.au; ph: (03) 8344 9640; fax: (03) 8344 9632.
NB: The closing date for this first stage of consultation is Thursday 29 March 2007. The first two 'What Works Australia' publications are scheduled for release in the second half of 2007, and the third in the first half of 2008. (Source: YRC email; and YRC website: http://www.edfac.unimelb.edu.au/yrc/taylor_surveys/what_works.html)
2. ACYS news
What's coming up in 'Youth Studies Australia'?
March edition; vol.26, n.1, 2007.
The changing relationship between the generations: It could even be good news?
by Michael Pusey
Every year Australian newspapers run articles about the emerging conflict between the Baby boomer generation and their now adult children. The stories then get fed out nationwide through talk-back hosts. However, the discourse achieves little traction in the public imagination and Michael Pusey suggests that this is because today relations between the generations have something like a mirror-opposite appearance to those that so preoccupied social commentators 30 years ago. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.9-16.)
Every year Australian newspapers run articles about the emerging conflict between the Baby boomer generation and their now adult children. The stories then get fed out nationwide through talk-back hosts. However, the discourse achieves little traction in the public imagination and Michael Pusey suggests that this is because today relations between the generations have something like a mirror-opposite appearance to those that so preoccupied social commentators 30 years ago. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.9-16.)
Independence, individualism and connection among share householders
by Kristin Natalier
How do young people who are financially dependent on their parents but living in share households conceive of the concept of independence? The meanings of independence are discussed in relation to a qualitative study of young people who described themselves as independent although they accepted money on a regular basis from their parents. Their descriptions of independence drew heavily on individualism through an emphasis on individual choice and responsibility. However, this individualism was underpinned by the importance of negotiating familial relationships. The findings suggest that young people's claims to choice and independence need to be interpreted in the context of ongoing connections with others. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.17-24.)
How do young people who are financially dependent on their parents but living in share households conceive of the concept of independence? The meanings of independence are discussed in relation to a qualitative study of young people who described themselves as independent although they accepted money on a regular basis from their parents. Their descriptions of independence drew heavily on individualism through an emphasis on individual choice and responsibility. However, this individualism was underpinned by the importance of negotiating familial relationships. The findings suggest that young people's claims to choice and independence need to be interpreted in the context of ongoing connections with others. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.17-24.)
Should inhalants be included in Australian school-based drug education?
by Sarah MacLean
This article questions whether inhalants should continue to be excluded from school-based drug education curricula in Australia. It argues that rationales provided for such a policy in Victoria are, in the main, not supported by recent research. The Australian evidence-base about drug education makes it difficult to predict the outcomes of providing young people with education about any form of drug use, not just inhalants. Nonetheless, a strong case may be made (particularly in disadvantaged communities) for policy change on this issue. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.25-31.)
This article questions whether inhalants should continue to be excluded from school-based drug education curricula in Australia. It argues that rationales provided for such a policy in Victoria are, in the main, not supported by recent research. The Australian evidence-base about drug education makes it difficult to predict the outcomes of providing young people with education about any form of drug use, not just inhalants. Nonetheless, a strong case may be made (particularly in disadvantaged communities) for policy change on this issue. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.25-31.)
Breaking a spell of silence: The Tasmanian evaluation of the 2006 Pride and Prejudice program
by Doug Bridge
An evaluation of the Pride and Prejudice program, which ran in three Tasmanian schools in 2006, suggests that students who completed the program had more positive attitudes towards gay men and lesbians. This finding parallels an earlier evaluation of the same anti-homophobia program undertaken in Victoria. The evaluation leads to a discussion about the deeper and often hidden purposes of schooling, and about the discursive formations of heteronormativity, which provide a heterosexist basis for 'curriculum'. Issues related to school systems becoming more democratic and tolerant are also identified. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.32-40.)
An evaluation of the Pride and Prejudice program, which ran in three Tasmanian schools in 2006, suggests that students who completed the program had more positive attitudes towards gay men and lesbians. This finding parallels an earlier evaluation of the same anti-homophobia program undertaken in Victoria. The evaluation leads to a discussion about the deeper and often hidden purposes of schooling, and about the discursive formations of heteronormativity, which provide a heterosexist basis for 'curriculum'. Issues related to school systems becoming more democratic and tolerant are also identified. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.32-40.)
What does wellbeing mean? Perspectives of wellbeing among young people and youth workers in rural Victoria
by Lisa Bourke and Paula Geldens
Wellbeing is a well-used but ill-defined term in youth research. This paper describes research that explored the ways in which young people and youth workers define wellbeing. The findings suggest that both groups agreed that wellbeing was a multidimensional concept; however, the young people were more likely to consider wellbeing to be influenced by individual factors, such as the state of their relationships, while the youth workers were more likely to emphasise the importance of structural factors. The different focuses of young people and youth workers may mean that each group works toward different but not necessarily contradictory goals. In fact, the goals may compliment each other. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.41-49.)
Wellbeing is a well-used but ill-defined term in youth research. This paper describes research that explored the ways in which young people and youth workers define wellbeing. The findings suggest that both groups agreed that wellbeing was a multidimensional concept; however, the young people were more likely to consider wellbeing to be influenced by individual factors, such as the state of their relationships, while the youth workers were more likely to emphasise the importance of structural factors. The different focuses of young people and youth workers may mean that each group works toward different but not necessarily contradictory goals. In fact, the goals may compliment each other. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.41-49.)
Minimum standards for quality education for refugee youth (Programs and Practice paper)
by Jackie Kirk and Elizabeth Cassity
There is a growing emphasis on the right to and the benefits of education for young people within refugee camps. The benefits include physical and cognitive protection as well as the promotion of a sense of normalcy and feelings of hope. Minimum standards for refugee youth have been developed, which the authors argue should be used by not only by educators in crisis situations, but also by those involved in the education of refugee young people in their country of settlement. The use of the standards would not only provide a protective framework for positive educational development, but also ensure continuity in educational experiences for young refugees. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.50-56.)
Find out about subscribing to the journal at: http://www.acys.info/journal
There is a growing emphasis on the right to and the benefits of education for young people within refugee camps. The benefits include physical and cognitive protection as well as the promotion of a sense of normalcy and feelings of hope. Minimum standards for refugee youth have been developed, which the authors argue should be used by not only by educators in crisis situations, but also by those involved in the education of refugee young people in their country of settlement. The use of the standards would not only provide a protective framework for positive educational development, but also ensure continuity in educational experiences for young refugees. ('Youth Studies Australia', 2007, v.26, n.1, pp.50-56.)
Find out about subscribing to the journal at: http://www.acys.info/journal
3. ABUSE
Young people who sexually abuse: Key issues
This paper from the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, written by Cameron Boyd, is intended for those who might come across this issue in their day-to-day work and would like to know what the current research and practice says about understanding and responding to this group of young people. See:
http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/pubs/wrap/w3.html
http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/pubs/wrap/w3.html
4. ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS
Trust matters
In a discussion paper published by the Australian National University's Democratic Audit of Australia (Discussion Paper 36/06, December 06), Rebecca Huntley discusses the current generation of young Australians and their attitudes to a republic. See:
http://democratic.audit.anu.edu.au/papers/20061213_huntley_repub.pdf
http://democratic.audit.anu.edu.au/papers/20061213_huntley_repub.pdf
ActNow Youth Poll 07
ActNow is an Inspire Foundation initiative to encourage young people to take action on issues affecting their communities. They're currently conducting an online poll to find out which issues young Australians care about the most. 'Youth Poll 07' is open to young people aged 16–25 years. See:
http://www.actnow.com.au/Opinion/YouthPoll_2007.aspx (Source: ActNow website, viewed 7 March 2007.)
http://www.actnow.com.au/Opinion/YouthPoll_2007.aspx (Source: ActNow website, viewed 7 March 2007.)
5. CARE AND PROTECTION
The mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents in home-based foster care
An article with this title by Michael Sawyer, Josephine Carbone, Amelia Searle and Philip Robinson, has been referred to by many recent newsletters in the youth field. The article appeared in the 'Medical Journal of Australia' v.186, n.4, pp.181-184 and is online at:
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/186_04_190207/saw10752_fm.html
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/186_04_190207/saw10752_fm.html
UK's pilot mentoring project for young people in care
The UK Government has commissioned pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring schemes for young people in public care (known in Britain as 'looked-after young people'). The project seeks to match 600 'looked-after' 10- to 15-year-olds with adult mentors. Youth charity Rainer is to develop and implement the project in partnership with the Prince's Trust and the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. Local service providers across England have also been called upon to take part (Source: 'Looked-after young people: Project to study the value of mentors', 'Young People Now', 7 March, viewed 9 March 2007, http://www.ypnmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=full_news&ID=13390.)
6. CAREERS
Graduate surveys from GCA
Interpersonal and communication skills, academic qualifications and work experience are key selection criteria used by employers when recruiting new graduates, according to the 2006 'Graduate Outlook Survey' of graduate recruiters. The annual survey, conducted by Graduate Careers Australia (GCA), is based on a survey of the opinions of 127 graduate employers from various industries across Australia and New Zealand. It shows shortages still exist, as they did in 2005, for candidates from the Engineering and Accounting disciplines, but in 2006, shortages for IT graduates and, to a lesser degree for Mathematics/Statistics/Science graduates, were evident. The survey also indicates that the majority of employers are planning to increase the size of their graduate intake in 2007.
Meanwhile, early analysis of results from GCA's '2006 Australian Graduate Survey' shows that new bachelor degree graduates found employment more readily in 2006 than in recent years, and that graduate starting salaries have increased by 2.0 per cent in the past year. The initial national results of the 2006 survey appear in GCA's new summary publications, 'GradStats' (a general summary of the AGS results) and 'GradFiles' (aimed at prospective university students). Both publications are on the GCA website at: http://www.graduatecareers.com.au (Source: GCA 2006, 'GradStats and GradFiles 2006', media release, 13 December 2006, viewed 5 March 2007, http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/2663; GCA 2006, 'Graduate employers focus on communication skills and academic qualifications as the market for graduates becomes more competitive', media release 31 October, viewed 5 March 2007, http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/2627; 'Graduate Grapevine', n.6, December 2006, pp.1-5.)
Meanwhile, early analysis of results from GCA's '2006 Australian Graduate Survey' shows that new bachelor degree graduates found employment more readily in 2006 than in recent years, and that graduate starting salaries have increased by 2.0 per cent in the past year. The initial national results of the 2006 survey appear in GCA's new summary publications, 'GradStats' (a general summary of the AGS results) and 'GradFiles' (aimed at prospective university students). Both publications are on the GCA website at: http://www.graduatecareers.com.au (Source: GCA 2006, 'GradStats and GradFiles 2006', media release, 13 December 2006, viewed 5 March 2007, http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/2663; GCA 2006, 'Graduate employers focus on communication skills and academic qualifications as the market for graduates becomes more competitive', media release 31 October, viewed 5 March 2007, http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/2627; 'Graduate Grapevine', n.6, December 2006, pp.1-5.)
Career quizzes for students
Australia's national career information service, myfuture.edu.au, hosted by education.au has five new interactive myQuiz games to help young people understand career-related concepts, careeer development and planning. They're designed for both classroom and personal use. See:
http://www.myfuture.edu.au or http://www.educationau.edu.au (Source: '3C: Creative, capable, connected', newsletter of education.au, v.1, n.1, 2006, p.3).
http://www.myfuture.edu.au or http://www.educationau.edu.au (Source: '3C: Creative, capable, connected', newsletter of education.au, v.1, n.1, 2006, p.3).
'TeenMatters' careers special
The summer 2007 issue of 'TeenMatters' magazine contains a feature written by 'Sydney Morning Herald' careers writer Valerie Khoo on how parents can help their teens with career choices. See: http://www.teenmatters.com.au (Source: 'TeenMatters', summer 2007, pp.43-50.)
7. CRIME AND JUSTICE
Award-winning program: Chance on Main
The Australian Institute of Criminology has announced the winning projects in the 2006 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards. Among the four national community award winning projects was a youth related Tasmanian program called Chance on Main. This project is an intervention program for young people aged 14-19 who are at risk of being involved in criminal or antisocial activities, or of dropping out of school or training, or becoming homeless and disconnected from their families. The project provides the young people with mentors who are high-profile community and sporting personalities, and with intensive individual support and counselling. It also provides hands-on activity programs and support to the families of young people involved in the program. This model is unique in Tasmania, and was developed after five years of extensive consultation with relevant service providers, the Glenorchy community and young people. For more information, contact Mike Daval-Stewart, Chance on Main program coordinator, ph: (03) 6272 2023; fax: (03) 6272 2028; email: info[AT]chanceonmain.com.au; website: http://www.chanceonmain.com.au (Source: Crime Facts Info no. 142: 2006 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/cfi/cfi142.html)
Juveniles in detention in Australia, 1981–2005
This paper, number 22 in the Australian Institute of Criminology's Technical and Background Paper Series, reviews quarterly data from the AIC's Juveniles in Detention Monitoring Program to track changes in the number of juveniles in detention between 1981 and 2005. The paper examines juveniles in detention by sex and age, rates of Indigenous detention and over-representation, and provides a statistical review of juveniles in detention for the 2004–05 financial year. Data analysis reveals that, while numbers of Indigenous and non-Indigenous juveniles in detention have decreased since 1994, Indigenous juveniles continue to be over-represented in the juvenile detention population. The paper can be downloaded from the AIC's website: http://www.aic.gov.au (Source: Taylor, N. 2006, 'Juveniles in detention in Australia, 1981–2005', abstract, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra, viewed 8 March 2007, http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tbp/tbp022/.)
8. DISABILITIES
Young people in nursing homes
Following the Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) August 2006 pledge to ensure the provision of more appropriate accommodation and services for young people currently living in nursing homes, the Victorian, Queensland, South Australian and ACT governments have signed bilateral agreements with the Australian Government relating to the proposed program. Other states are expected to finalise similar agreements soon. While these measures have pleased Dr Bronwyn Morkham, national director of the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance, she still has a number of concerns regarding the provision of appropriate living conditions and care to these young people. These include a lack of training and skilled workers to implement the program, the program's focus on relocation and housing rather than lifestyle planning and support, and questions about how the COAG program will address the policy gaps that led to young people being placed in nursing homes in the first place. For further information, contact the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance, ph: (03) 9428 5677; website: http://www.ypinh.org.au; or Youngcare, ph: (07) 3013 6280; website: http://www.youngcare.com.au (Source: 'link magazine', v.15, n.5, 2006, p.29.)
Australian Association for Families of Children with a Disability
This national self-help organisation is run by and for the families of children and young people with a disability. AAFCD is active in advocacy, raising community awareness and working with other disability self-help groups to address disability issues. AAFCD also produces a bi-monthly magazine, 'National NoticeBoard', which contains members' stories and news on national disability issues. Membership is free, although it is restricted to parents/carers, siblings and extended family members of children and young people with a disability. Service providers, community organisations and community supporters, although ineligible for membership, are invited to subscribe to 'National NoticeBoard' for an annual $15 fee and/or to make a donation to AAFCD. For further information, contact the AAFCD, ph: 1800 222 660; website: http://www.aafcd.org.au (Source: 'link magazine', v.15, n.5, 2006, p.30.)
Enabling their voices
Victoria's GippsTAFE (the Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE) is trialling a project that uses voice recording technology to enable students with learning disabilities to access course information and teacher instructions online. The Enabling Your Voice Online project allows students to listen and re-listen to this information in their own time and at their own pace. For further information, visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/inclusive (Source: 'link magazine', v.15, n.5, 2006, p.32.)
9. DISCRIMINATION
2006 Community Awareness Survey
Last year, Western Australia's Equal Opportunity Commission conducted its three-yearly Community Awareness Survey, assessing levels of community concern about human rights and equal opportunity issues. The 2006 results show that 94 per cent of those surveyed believed that the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 benefited the community, up from 90 per cent in 2000 and 93 per cent in 2003. Sex discrimination was the most widely recognised form of discrimination, followed by racial discrimination and discrimination against people with a disability. In other findings, 89 per cent of respondents were aware that pregnancy discrimination was unlawful (up from 79 per cent in 2003). Family responsibility remained the least known of all forms of discrimination (Source: 'Discrimination Matters', newsletter of the Equal Opportunity Commission, Western Australia, December 2006, p.2; Equal Opportunity Commission (Western Australia) 2006, 'Survey reveals high level of community support for anti-discrimination legislation', media release, 14 December, viewed 2 March 2007, http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au.)
10. DRUGS
It's true ... cannabis use increases the risk of anxiety and depression
Frequent cannabis use is associated with increased anxiety and depression in young adults -- regardless of whether the person also uses other illicit drugs -- and this risk is substantially greater for those who began such use before 15 years of age. This is the conclusion of researchers at the University of Queensland's School of Population Health who report these findings in the March issue of the 'Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry'. They found that even after accounting for factors like family background, those who smoked marijuana in their early teens and who used the drug frequently at age 21 were more likely to suffer anxiety and depression. The findings are significant because they support the hypothesis that cannabis use increases the risk of anxiety and depression, and this counters the popular view that people with these problems use cannabis in an attempt to relieve their symptoms. The study is part of the long-running Mater-University Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) that has followed 3,239 Australian young adults from birth to age 21, when the data for this project was obtained. See: http://www.sph.uq.edu.au/About/news.asp?news_event_type=NEWS&news_event_id=349
Where there's smoke: Cannabis and mental health
Like the article cited above, this landmark report released by the Mental Health Council of Australia in December 2006 provides evidence adding to the significant and growing body of evidence on the relationship between mental illness and cannabis, and links regular cannabis use, particularly by those who begin using the drug at a young age, with an increased risk of mental illness. The report calls for 'more sophisticated interventions' into cannabis use in Australia, particularly regarding its use by young people. The report indicates that 10 per cent of people who try cannabis will become dependent on the drug at some point -- in Australia, that's about 700,000 people. The report is available for download from the MHCA website: http://www.mhca.org.au('Sydney Morning Herald', 14/12/06, p.18; 'Daily Telegraph', 22/12/06, p.48; 'YAPRap', v.17, n.2, 2007, p.3.) The report itself is at:
http://www.mhca.org.au/documents/MHCACannabisfinalLR.pdf
http://www.mhca.org.au/documents/MHCACannabisfinalLR.pdf
For Indigenous carers and families affected by alcohol and drugs
No Shame, No Blame! resource sets from Streetwize are designed for workers who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers and families affected by alcohol and drugs. Each set of resources includes a Worker's Guide, a poster and ten comics, written in plain English. The Workers Guide provides strategies for helping carers cope with a loved one's drug and alcohol problem. It describes some common feelings that may be experienced and shares tips for surviving through tough times. The comic's designed for use by families and carers themselves to provide information and support during this complex and stressful time. The resource was produced by Streetwize Communications in partnership with NSW Health, with funding from the NSW Department of Community Services, through the National Illicit Drug Strategy supported by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. To obtain copies, go to http://www.streetwize.com.au and download an order form.
11. EDUCATION
Linking to learn and learning to link: Building integrated systems of school-based support for children and families in a disadvantaged community
This initiative is part of the Pathways Project, an ongoing partnership between the family welfare agency Mission Australia and the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance based at Griffith University. The central goal of the Linking to Learn-Learning to Link project is to implement and evaluate changed institutional practices within primary schools and Mission Australia so as to enhance children's school performance and behaviour. These institutional changes are designed to build bridges between family and school, the two critical developmental domains, by providing resources to schools to support families and children with difficulties and to assist families to become more meaningfully involved in their children's schooling. See PDF document at:
http://www.gu.edu.au/centre/kceljag/pathways/linking_to_learn.pdf
http://www.gu.edu.au/centre/kceljag/pathways/linking_to_learn.pdf
School engagement and life chances
Schools must find ways to reduce the expenses that can prevent young people from low-income families from engaging positively with their school and completing their education, according to the seventh report from the Brotherhood of St Laurence's longitudinal Life Chances Study, titled 'School engagement and life chances: 15-year-olds in transition'. The Life Chances study has tracked the development of a group of 167 children born in inner-city Melbourne in 1990. The group includes participants from high- and low-income families and a range of ethnic backgrounds. Of the 140 young people still involved in the study at age 15, 41 were selected to take part in the latest report on school engagement and its effects on school completion and young people's transitions to further education and/or employment. The majority of participants (n= 33) came from low-income families, while the remainder, from high-income families, acted as a comparison group. Data were gathered via interviews with participants, participant-completed surveys and interviews with participants' parents.
Measures of school engagement, including looking forward to going to school, getting along with teachers, enjoying learning, having friends, absenteeism and feeling left out, indicated that these young people were generally less engaged with school as 15-year-olds than they were as 11- and 12-year-olds. School factors influencing young people's positive engagement with school included positive perceptions of academic performance, having teachers with whom participants felt able to talk, having friends at school and participating in school activities. Factors influencing negative engagement included bullying, feeling left out and feeling unable to understand schoolwork. The problem of young people from low-income families missing out on school activities due to prohibitive costs was also identified. Participants named a number of family factors that influenced their level of school engagement. These included parental separation and family conflict, the effects of parental employment and family income.
Based on these findings and on suggestions from participants, the report's authors recommended a number of ways in which schools and policymakers can enhance young people's positive engagement with school and avoid 'cycles of disengagement', particularly for disadvantaged students (Source: Taylor, J. and Nelms, L. 2006, 'School engagement and life chances: 15-year-olds in transition – Life Chances Study stage 7', Brotherhood of St Laurence, Fitzroy, Victoria, viewed 13 February 2007, http://www.bsl.org.au/pdfs/Taylor_Nelms_school_engagement_&_life_chances.pdf, and Brotherhood of St Laurence, 2007, 'School costs can jeopardise 15-year-olds' education, says study', media release, viewed 13 February 2007, http://www.bsl.org.au/main.asp?PageId=4611 )
Measures of school engagement, including looking forward to going to school, getting along with teachers, enjoying learning, having friends, absenteeism and feeling left out, indicated that these young people were generally less engaged with school as 15-year-olds than they were as 11- and 12-year-olds. School factors influencing young people's positive engagement with school included positive perceptions of academic performance, having teachers with whom participants felt able to talk, having friends at school and participating in school activities. Factors influencing negative engagement included bullying, feeling left out and feeling unable to understand schoolwork. The problem of young people from low-income families missing out on school activities due to prohibitive costs was also identified. Participants named a number of family factors that influenced their level of school engagement. These included parental separation and family conflict, the effects of parental employment and family income.
Based on these findings and on suggestions from participants, the report's authors recommended a number of ways in which schools and policymakers can enhance young people's positive engagement with school and avoid 'cycles of disengagement', particularly for disadvantaged students (Source: Taylor, J. and Nelms, L. 2006, 'School engagement and life chances: 15-year-olds in transition – Life Chances Study stage 7', Brotherhood of St Laurence, Fitzroy, Victoria, viewed 13 February 2007, http://www.bsl.org.au/pdfs/Taylor_Nelms_school_engagement_&_life_chances.pdf, and Brotherhood of St Laurence, 2007, 'School costs can jeopardise 15-year-olds' education, says study', media release, viewed 13 February 2007, http://www.bsl.org.au/main.asp?PageId=4611 )
Indigenous education and the YALP program
YALP (Yachad Accelerated Learning Program) is a three-year educational intervention program aimed at raising the scholastic achievements of students in remote and rural locations in Australia, particularly those with a high proportion of academically low-achieving Indigenous students. It is based on whole-of-community educational approaches developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in response to the educational needs of Israel's immigrant populations and Indigenous communities which share with Australia's Indigenous communities a high proportion of students at-risk of not completing their studies. It's an action-based research project using a cross-cultural educational approach and works in collaboration with schools and the wider community. The program is active in eight schools in Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, and is a partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, government, industry and philanthropy. See: http://www.yalp.org.au/
12. EMPLOYMENT
Australian Apprenticeships
The apprenticeship and traineeship scheme known as New Apprenticeships has changed its name to Australian Apprenticeships to reflect its broader scope. While still offering traditional apprenticeship and traineeship options, Australian Apprenticeships also offer a choice of full-time, part-time and school-based training options, with a greater emphasis on combined work and training. Australian Apprenticeships are available across more than 500 occupations and are open to anyone of working age, with no prerequisite qualifications. Australian School-based Apprenticeships give students the option of completing their Year 11 and Year 12 qualifications while working towards a vocational and technical qualification. These apprenticeships are offered at the newly-established Australian Technical Colleges around Australia. For further information, visit http://www.australiantechnicalcolleges.gov.au (Source: 'The Australian careers and apprenticeships guide', n.1, 2006, pp.19-22.)
A Tasmanian perspective
The Youth Employment Strategy (YES), mentioned in a previous edition of this newsletter and published in November last year, is a community-based partnership between Mission Australia and its Youth Strategy and Advocacy Group, and is based on several years of national and international research and analysis. One of the key findings of the YES strategy is that 'if young people are unable to make an initial transition to the labour market smoothly, it's likely they will continue to have problems and be marginally attached to employment for the rest of their lives'. Mission Australia's Tasmanian operations manager, Noel Mundy, said a recent Mission Australia survey showing Tasmanian youth rated getting a job as a higher priority than young people on the mainland (31.5 per cent compared to 20.3 per cent) reflected the concern young Tasmanians felt about the current job market. He believes that in order to 'break the back of youth unemployment, we need to start thinking differently about the problem and looking deeper into its causes', and that 'the recommendations contained in YES are a good place to start'. The YES report can be downloaded as a PDF from: http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/cm/resources/documents/Youth%20Employment%20Strategy%20report.pdf (Source: Mission Australia website, http://www.missionaustralia.com.au, news and research section, viewed 15 March 2007.)
13. ETHNIC YOUTH ISSUES
Young Australian Muslim of the Year
Nominations for the Young Australian Muslim of the Year award close on Friday 30 March. See: http://www.youth.infoxchange.net.au/news/detail.chtml?filename_num=140255
14. FUNDING
Change-maker grants for youth advocates
Individuals or groups aged 12 to 25 are invited to apply to the Foundation of Young Australians for Youth Change Maker grants, which are for young advocates who've identified an issue in the community and have developed a response for positive change, and need some financial assistance. Applications for the first funding round close on Monday 30 April. See the FYA website at: http://www.youngaustralians.org/fund/ya_fund_youth_change_makers.asp
15. HEALTH
Rural Australia recommends
The National Rural Health Alliance has collated the 250 recommendations from the 1,200 delegates who attended the 9th National Rural Health Conference in Albury a few days ago. The recommendations are a snapshot of people's thinking on rural and remote health as at March 2007. 'It is clear that there are a number of successful local programs that should be replicated more widely, many good ideas about how health workforce challenges can be overcome, and quite a number of specific research proposals relating to rural and remote health. At the same time, the recommendations make clear the anxiety of the sector about boundary issues between jurisdictions, professions and practice modes, and about how health reform at local, state and national levels could improve outcomes for patients.' There are 18 priority recommendations which will inform the immediate agenda for organisations in the rural and remote health sector, including the NRHA. They include issues such as Indigenous health, mental health, arts-in-health, the health workforce and research that could help rural communities to deal with the health and social affects of the drought. See: http://9thnrhc.ruralhealth.org.au/registration/?IntCatId=2
16. HOMELESSNESS
Burdekin launches a new national inquiry into youth homelessness
Eighteen years after his seminal report on youth homelessness, ' Our Homeless Children' which highlighted the plight of an estimated 20,000 young people living on the streets in the late 1980s, Prof. Brian Burdekin, (former Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner) has launched an independent inquiry into youth homelessness.
The National Youth Commission (NYC) inquiry into youth homelessness will examine why youth homelessness continues to be a major problem in Australia. The inquiry was announced on 8 March 2007, and will be completed by the end of August, with comprehensive findings to be made public in September. Hearings will be held in all capital cities and major regional centres, along with broader consultations with individuals and government and non-government organisations throughout Australia. David Eldridge of the Salvation Army and former chair of the Prime Minister's Youth Homelessness Taskforce, will be heading the inquiry. Swinburne University of Technology's Assoc. Prof. David Mackenzie has been appointed one of the commissioners, along with Narelle Clay, CEO of Southern Youth and Family Services in Wollongong, and Queensland's Father Wally Dethlefts, one of the three commissioners from the first national inquiry. 'The Australian' reports Prof. Burdekin as saying that homelessness is the trigger for drug abuse and mental illness for tens of thousands of Australians and that a co-ordinated national affordable housing strategy was a crucial early step. 'When I did my initial report, we made the point that there is a clear link between homelessness and mental illness. The latest research shows half those people who have mental problems developed that problem after they became homeless'. Prof. Burdekin commented that he found it disturbing that two-thirds of the homeless who have substance-abuse problems developed them after becoming homeless and that 'with three years of $10 billion-plus surpluses, we should have 100,000 homeless or 750,000 households living in housing crisis, struggling to survive after paying housing costs'. The NYC can be contacted by phone (03) 9940 1573 or email: info[AT]nvc.com.au and written submissions can be mailed to: NYC c/- YDA, 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick Victoria 3056. (Sources: Swinburne University's media centre; ABC World Today, 8 March 2007; http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2007/s1866467.htm; Youth Coalition of the ACT's news bulletin; and 'The Australian', 8 March 2007, http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21344338-2702,00.html)
The National Youth Commission (NYC) inquiry into youth homelessness will examine why youth homelessness continues to be a major problem in Australia. The inquiry was announced on 8 March 2007, and will be completed by the end of August, with comprehensive findings to be made public in September. Hearings will be held in all capital cities and major regional centres, along with broader consultations with individuals and government and non-government organisations throughout Australia. David Eldridge of the Salvation Army and former chair of the Prime Minister's Youth Homelessness Taskforce, will be heading the inquiry. Swinburne University of Technology's Assoc. Prof. David Mackenzie has been appointed one of the commissioners, along with Narelle Clay, CEO of Southern Youth and Family Services in Wollongong, and Queensland's Father Wally Dethlefts, one of the three commissioners from the first national inquiry. 'The Australian' reports Prof. Burdekin as saying that homelessness is the trigger for drug abuse and mental illness for tens of thousands of Australians and that a co-ordinated national affordable housing strategy was a crucial early step. 'When I did my initial report, we made the point that there is a clear link between homelessness and mental illness. The latest research shows half those people who have mental problems developed that problem after they became homeless'. Prof. Burdekin commented that he found it disturbing that two-thirds of the homeless who have substance-abuse problems developed them after becoming homeless and that 'with three years of $10 billion-plus surpluses, we should have 100,000 homeless or 750,000 households living in housing crisis, struggling to survive after paying housing costs'. The NYC can be contacted by phone (03) 9940 1573 or email: info[AT]nvc.com.au and written submissions can be mailed to: NYC c/- YDA, 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick Victoria 3056. (Sources: Swinburne University's media centre; ABC World Today, 8 March 2007; http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2007/s1866467.htm; Youth Coalition of the ACT's news bulletin; and 'The Australian', 8 March 2007, http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21344338-2702,00.html)
Homeless SAAP clients with mental health and substance use problems
The Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) is the major government response to homelessness, and statistics on the program are regularly reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The AIHW released their report, 'Homeless SAAP clients with mental health and substance use problems 2004-05' on 15 March 2007. According to Felicity Murdoch of the AIHW's Institute's Supported Accommodation and Crisis Services Unit, the most common reason people with substance use problems sought help from the SAAP program was due directly to their drug, alcohol or substance use (30 per cent). In 2004-05, over 19 per cent of Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) clients reported a substance use problem, and nearly 12 per cent reported a mental health problem. For details on obtaining the report, see the AIHW media release at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2007/mr20070315.cfm
Young people, homelessness and the law
The January 2007 edition of 'YAPRap', the newsletter of the Youth Action and Policy Association of NSW, contains a feature on young people, homelessness and the law by David Skidmore from the Homeless Persons' Legal Service. Skidmore quotes figures from the 2001 Census showing that young people make up an estimated 46 per cent of the homeless population across Australia. He notes that, while homelessness itself is not a crime, homeless people 'frequently fall foul of the law' when occupying public space. The article lists and describes a number of youth-specific and general community legal centres which can provide legal advice and other assistance to young people experiencing homelessness (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.1, 2007, pp.8-9.)
17. INDIGENOUS YOUTH ISSUES
Yapeneyepuk - Worawa Indigenous education conference
This conference to celebrate and accept the challenges of Indigenous education takes place on 27-28 May in Melbourne. See: http://www.cse.edu.au/content.php?contentid=4
Child care plan to benefit Indigenous communities
The Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) is currently developing an Indigenous Child Care Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around the country. The plan will be informed by the findings of a community consultation process on the subject, which was conducted by Edith Cowan University. FaCSIA will be working closely with the Secretariat of the Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) to ensure that the final plan achieves the goal of increasing 'the participation of Indigenous children and families in high quality, culturally responsive children's services' (Source: 'SNAICC News', January 2007, p.12.)
18. INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Millennium Development Goals updates
Last year, the United Nations released a number of updates on progress made by countries and regions around the world towards achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals by 2015. These include the MDG Info 2006 database, the Millennium Development Goals Report 2006 and the MDGs 2006 Progress Chart. These are all available from the UN's Millennium Development Goals Indicators website, listed below. Readers in the youth field may be particularly interested in reading about progress towards Goal 2, achieving universal primary education (Source: United Nations 2006, Millennium Development Goals Indicators website, viewed 2 March 2007, http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/default.aspx.)
Youth obesity initiatives
To mark Obesity Awareness Week in Britain, which began on 11 March, the British journal 'Young People Now' published a feature on the ever-growing problem of youth obesity, and two initiatives in Britain that are tackling it: the Fitter Kids after-school clubs, run by the private company Fit for Sport, and The Challenge program, run by the YMCA. The feature also includes statistics on youth obesity in Britain (Source: Stephenson, Jo 2007, 'Opinion: Obesity – battle against the bulge', Young People Now, 7 March, viewed 9 March 2007, http://www.ypnmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=full_news&ID=13439.)
Raleigh partners with youth organisations
Youth expeditions organisation Raleigh International has decided to change the way it prepares disadvantaged young people to participate in its overseas expeditions. Instead of running its own preparatory programs for disadvantaged young people, which it has done in the past, Raleigh will now look to existing groups that support disadvantaged young people, such as Rainer, The Prince's Trust and Fairbridge, to provide these programs. Raleigh International currently places around 650 17- to 24-year-olds on international expeditions each year, and seeks to ensure that at least 20 per cent of participants come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These expeditions are designed to encourage personal and social development among participants. For more information, visit: http://www.raleighinternational.org (Source: Lloyd, T. 2007, 'Outdoor activities: Youth club partnerships are future for Raleigh', Young People Now, 7 March, viewed 9 March 2007, http://www.ypnmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=full_news&ID=13389.)
19. MEDIA
UNICEF calls for entries for children's broadcasting award
UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences are calling for entries from broadcasters for the 2007 International Children's Day of Broadcasting Award. The ICDB Award will go to the broadcaster whose programming best reflects the 2006 International Children's Day of Broadcasting theme, 'Unite for Children. Unite Against AIDS', and who demonstrates an overall dedication to youth participation in media. Radio broadcasters are also encouraged to submit their programs, as UNICEF will also be awarding the 2007 ICDB Award for Radio Excellence. To be eligible for the ICDB Award, broadcasts must have taken place on or around Sunday, 10 December 2006 in conjunction with the 2006 International Children's Day of Broadcasting. The deadline for entries is 18 May 2007.To encourage more youth participation in media throughout the year, the award judges will not only consider the quality of the work, but also will consider the commitment broadcasters make to engaging with youth on an ongoing basis.
UNICEF has also announced the theme for the upcoming 2007 International Children's Day of Broadcasting: The World We Want. UNICEF is calling on broadcasters, both television and radio, to participate in the International Children's Day of Broadcasting on 9 December 2007 to highlight youth voices concerning the state of the world and their place in it. Participating broadcasters will be eligible to submit entries for the 2008 ICDB Award. For further information, visit: http://www.unicef.org/icdb. (Source: UNICEF 2007, 'UNICEF calls for entries for children's broadcasting award', media release, 7 March, viewed 9 March http://www.unicef.org/media/media_38976.html.)
UNICEF has also announced the theme for the upcoming 2007 International Children's Day of Broadcasting: The World We Want. UNICEF is calling on broadcasters, both television and radio, to participate in the International Children's Day of Broadcasting on 9 December 2007 to highlight youth voices concerning the state of the world and their place in it. Participating broadcasters will be eligible to submit entries for the 2008 ICDB Award. For further information, visit: http://www.unicef.org/icdb. (Source: UNICEF 2007, 'UNICEF calls for entries for children's broadcasting award', media release, 7 March, viewed 9 March http://www.unicef.org/media/media_38976.html.)
Hot topic: The sexualisation of young girls
The summer 2007 edition of 'TeenMatters' magazine contains a feature on what it calls 'the Lolita syndrome'; the sexualisation of pre-teen and teenage girls by the media and marketing industries. As well as examining this phenomenon, the feature also includes comments on the topic from a number of experts, including Australia Institute researcher Dr Emma Rush, co-author of the 2006 report 'Corporate paedophilia: The sexualisation of Australian children', clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller and adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. It also includes a series of questions which parents can use as a guide to help them think about the 'inputs' that shape their children's values and behaviour. These questions are drawn from the book 'Parenting for character: Equipping your child for life', by headmaster Andrew Mullins (Source: 'TeenMatters', summer 2007, pp.34-39.)
A report from the American Psychological Association (APA) released in February found evidence that the proliferation of sexualised images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and the media is harmful to girls' self-image and healthy development. The APA Task Force on the Sexualisation of Girls studied published research on the content and effects of virtually every form of media, including television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, movies, video games and the internet. They also examined recent advertising campaigns and merchandising of products aimed toward girls. Research evidence shows that the sexualization of girls negatively affects girls and young women across a variety of health domains, including sexual development and mental and physical health. The APA report calls on parents, school officials, and all health professionals to be alert to the potential impact of sexualization on girls and young women. The full text of the report, an executive summary and tips on what parents can do to minimise the sexualisation of their children are available from the APA website:
http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/sexualization.html (Source: American Psychological Association 2007, 'Sexualisation of girls is linked to common mental health problems in girls and women – eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression; An APA task force reports', media release, 19 February, viewed 1 March 2007, http://www.apa.org/releases/sexualization.html).
A report from the American Psychological Association (APA) released in February found evidence that the proliferation of sexualised images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and the media is harmful to girls' self-image and healthy development. The APA Task Force on the Sexualisation of Girls studied published research on the content and effects of virtually every form of media, including television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, movies, video games and the internet. They also examined recent advertising campaigns and merchandising of products aimed toward girls. Research evidence shows that the sexualization of girls negatively affects girls and young women across a variety of health domains, including sexual development and mental and physical health. The APA report calls on parents, school officials, and all health professionals to be alert to the potential impact of sexualization on girls and young women. The full text of the report, an executive summary and tips on what parents can do to minimise the sexualisation of their children are available from the APA website:
http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/sexualization.html (Source: American Psychological Association 2007, 'Sexualisation of girls is linked to common mental health problems in girls and women – eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression; An APA task force reports', media release, 19 February, viewed 1 March 2007, http://www.apa.org/releases/sexualization.html).
20. MENTAL HEALTH
Youth mental health funding grants
The Australian Government's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace has allocated grants of up to $1.5 million to 10 Australian communities to establish local headspace youth mental health services. Another 21 community consortia will receive smaller grants totalling $700,000 to develop headspace models for their regions so that they can apply for future funding. The media release for this funding states that the 10 communities had committed to a major reorientation of their existing health services to benefit young people with mental health and associated drug and alcohol problems. A brief summary of the funded services is available on the headspace website: http://www.headspace.org.au/_uploads/documents/factsheet_grantRnd1-3.pdf (Source: Media release, 28 February, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra, viewed 9 March, http://www.headspace.org.au/_uploads/documents/1st%20Round%20A%27ment%20Release2logo.pdf.)
Good news too!
Many of our readers will be aware of SANE Australia's StigmaWatch program, which monitors the accuracy and respectfulness of media depictions of mental illness and suicide and highlights depictions that reinforce the stigma associated with these mental health issues... but did you know that StigmaWatch also highlights and congratulates those who portray mental health issues responsibly? For further information, visit the SANE Australia website http://www.sane.org and follow the link to the StigmaWatch page (Source: 'SANE News', n.40, summer 2006, p.6.)
Black dog raises awareness about youth depression
The Black Dog youth committee, based in Orange, NSW, has been organising community events to raise awareness about youth depression since 2005. In this time, Black Dog has staged music concerts, trivia nights, short film festivals, dance parties and trivia nights, supported by local businesses and community groups. At each of these events, information about youth depression and local services to help those dealing with depression is made available. Black Dog has more events planned for 2007. For more information about the Black Dog youth committee, contact Jason Lowe, Youth Development Officer, Orange City Council, ph: (02) 6393 8628 (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.1, 2007, pp.6-7.)
Streetwize comic for the YBBLUE website
In December 2006 Streetwize was invited by beyondblue: the national depression initiative to develop a short comic strip for the Ybblue main website (Ybblue is beyondblue's strategy specifically for looking into depression and anxiety in young people). The comic strip was developed in consultation with the Youth Agenda Team at beyondblue, and was designed to promote the 'it's OK to talk about depression' and the 'look, talk, listen' approaches. It's now online at: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/ybblue/
COOL TEENS CD-ROM: an update
In 2006, 'Youth Studies Australia' published an article on the development of a computer-based, self-help program as a way to reach adolescents with an anxiety disorder who do not access traditional psychological services. (Cunningham, M.J., Rapee, R.M., and Lyneham, H.J. (2006). The Cool Teens CD-ROM: A multimedia self-help program for adolescents with anxiety. 'Youth Studies Australia', v.25, n.1, pp.50-56.) Since the publication of this article, an update on this project from Macquarie University's Anxiety Research Unit has been published in the journal, AeJAMH. It describes how adolescents rated the program, giving their multimedia preferences and attitudes to a prototype version of the Cool Teens CD-ROM. See: Cunningham, M.J., Rapee, R.M., and Lyneham, H.J. (2006). Feedback to a prototype self-help computer program for anxiety disorders in adolescents, in: Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health (AeJAMH), v.5, n.3 (December); ISSN: 1446-7984; http://www.auseinet.com/journal/vol5iss3/index.php or as a PDF at: http://www.auseinet.com/journal/vol5iss3/cunningham.pdf ). AeJAMH is a peer reviewed, online, open access journal that provides a forum for advancing promotion, prevention and early intervention approaches to mental health. It is published by the Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet),
http://www.auseinet.com/journal
http://www.auseinet.com/journal
21. MENTORING
The Victorian Youth Mentoring Alliance would like to hear from agencies implementing youth mentoring programs. They are mapping all programs in the Melbourne metropolitan region in an attempt to provide better coordination and support to the sector and improve the sharing of information and referrals between organisations. Contact: Emma Green at emma[AT]youthmentoringvic.org.au or ph: (03) 8412 7355. Also see:
http://www.youthmentoringvic.org.au/
http://www.youthmentoringvic.org.au/
22. MOVEMENTS, CHANGES, MILESTONES
In WA, the Office for Children and Youth's website address has changed to: http://www.childrenandyouth.wa.gov.au
Queensland's 2006 Young Australian of the Year, Tania Major has been named Young Australian of the Year. As Cape York Institute's Youth Development Project officer, Tania is working with government and non-government groups and communities to develop a youth action network to breach the cultural and geographic barriers facing young people across the Cape York Peninsula. (Source: 'Torres News', 15 February 2007, cited by FaCSIA Library Service's 'Indigenous Alert' of the same date.)
Meg Griffiths, National Program Manager of Multicultural Mental Health Australia, is leaving her position to take up a new role with NSW Health. (Source: 'Synergy', n.3, 2006, p.3.)
SANE Australia's website has won the NetGuide award for the best community/charity site -- for the second year running. The award recognises superior content, navigation, function and design. See: http://www.sane.org
Queensland's 2006 Young Australian of the Year, Tania Major has been named Young Australian of the Year. As Cape York Institute's Youth Development Project officer, Tania is working with government and non-government groups and communities to develop a youth action network to breach the cultural and geographic barriers facing young people across the Cape York Peninsula. (Source: 'Torres News', 15 February 2007, cited by FaCSIA Library Service's 'Indigenous Alert' of the same date.)
Meg Griffiths, National Program Manager of Multicultural Mental Health Australia, is leaving her position to take up a new role with NSW Health. (Source: 'Synergy', n.3, 2006, p.3.)
SANE Australia's website has won the NetGuide award for the best community/charity site -- for the second year running. The award recognises superior content, navigation, function and design. See: http://www.sane.org
23. PARTICIPATION
NSW youth challenged to take action
The Energy Australia Red Cross Youth Challenge is currently open to teams of young people aged 12–18 years in NSW. Participants from schools and youth groups are invited to investigate, plan, implement and evaluate a short-term project of their choice that meets a need in their community. Teams are guided by an adult mentor and a comprehensive Youth Challenge Resource Kit (available at a cost of $55). For further information, contact Kate Dixon ph: (02) 9229 4283; email: kdixon[AT]redcross.org.au or visit the Youth Challenge website: http://www.takethechallenge.com.au (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.2, 2007, p.18.)
Heywire youth cause 40-hour drought
A water conservation awareness initiative dreamt up by participants at the ABC's Heywire Youth Issues Forum in Canberra last month is to become a reality. 'The 40 Hour Drought' was the brainchild of four of the 2006 'Heywirers', and was among the ideas for positive change in rural and regional areas which forum participants presented to a guest panel and to visiting government representatives on the final day of the forum. The objective of the 40 Hour Drought is for people to monitor and reduce their water usage over a 40-hour period, with the goal of using only forty litres of water per person. This initiative is designed to help people better understand the value of water and the problems facing those who are living with serious water restrictions. ABC Local Radio has decided to run The 40-Hour Drought as a national campaign from 0700 Wednesday 21 March until 2300 Thursday 22 March. It has already been launched on ABC radio with promotions and interviews happening all over the country, on both metropolitan and regional radio. For more details on how you can take part in the 'drought', links to water-saving information and information about the Heywire youth initiative, visit: http://www.abc.net.au/water/40hourdrought/ (Source: email, 8 March 2007.)
24. RESEARCH
Mindfields program helps at-risk youth
University of Queensland researchers have developed a unique program to reduce delinquent behaviour in youth. Based on more than three years of extensive research, the six-week Mindfields intervention program is designed to enable youth at a high risk of delinquency to change their lives. Through interactive DVDs, journal writing, social modelling activities, inspirational testimonies, and one-on-one counselling, teenagers are challenged to question their actions, make informed choices about their behaviour and create positive changes. The Mindfields program is being trialled with promising initial results. Teenagers completing the program have shown decreased delinquency and impulsiveness as well as an increased assertiveness, social problem solving, self regulation and life satisfaction.
Mindfields was developed by UQ Assoc. Prof. Annemaree Carroll and her team as part of the Australian Research Council-funded 'Creating Safer Communities' project. The project is a collaborative endeavour between UQ's School of Education and the Department of Communities (Queensland), Education Queensland, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Queensland Transport (Source: University of Queensland 2006, 'Researchers help troubled youth', media release, 26 June, viewed 8 March 2007, http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=9968.)
Last year, Assoc. Prof. Carroll spoke about the Mindfields program at a seminar held by Griffith University's Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance. An abstract from her seminar can be found on p.25 of the Centre's 2006 annual 'Owl's Beak' newsletter: http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/kceljag/
In 2007, Assoc. Prof. Carroll will speak about the program as part of the Queensland Government Department of Communities' 'Engaging Ideas' seminars. For further information, visit the Queensland Government Department of Communities website: http://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/share_your_knowledge/resources/inspire/2007-01/engaging-ideas.html.)
Mindfields was developed by UQ Assoc. Prof. Annemaree Carroll and her team as part of the Australian Research Council-funded 'Creating Safer Communities' project. The project is a collaborative endeavour between UQ's School of Education and the Department of Communities (Queensland), Education Queensland, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Queensland Transport (Source: University of Queensland 2006, 'Researchers help troubled youth', media release, 26 June, viewed 8 March 2007, http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=9968.)
Last year, Assoc. Prof. Carroll spoke about the Mindfields program at a seminar held by Griffith University's Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance. An abstract from her seminar can be found on p.25 of the Centre's 2006 annual 'Owl's Beak' newsletter: http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/kceljag/
In 2007, Assoc. Prof. Carroll will speak about the program as part of the Queensland Government Department of Communities' 'Engaging Ideas' seminars. For further information, visit the Queensland Government Department of Communities website: http://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/share_your_knowledge/resources/inspire/2007-01/engaging-ideas.html.)
25. RURAL YOUTH
Rural and regional youth on the move
More than one-third of young Australians from non-metropolitan areas relocate to a major city in the years immediately after leaving school and, although some return, non-metropolitan areas experience a net loss of a quarter of their young people, according to a report recently released by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) as part of their Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) conducted jointly by ACER and the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). 'Movement of non-metropolitan youth towards the cities' is the first Australian national longitudinal study of young people's geographic mobility. It focuses on the experiences of 5,112 young Australians who lived in non-metropolitan areas during their final years of school. These young people were tracked from 1997 when most were in Year 11, until 2004 when most were 23 years old. Over the study's seven-year period, approximately 40 per cent of the non-metropolitan youth who had moved to major cities were studying either at a university or a TAFE institution, or were undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Full-time employment was a major factor influencing young people's decisions about where to live. Those able to secure full-time employment in non-metropolitan areas were more likely to remain in those areas, while those who found full-time employment in metropolitan areas after completing their studies were more likely to stay in metropolitan areas. No significant differences were recorded in employment rates, average income, work hours and measures of life satisfaction among young people who stayed in non-metropolitan areas, those who left non-metropolitan areas but subsequently returned and those who left non-metropolitan areas and had not returned. Rates of home ownership were slightly higher among those who stayed in or returned to non-metropolitan areas. (Source: Hillman, K. and Rothman, S. 2007, 'Movement of non-metropolitan youth towards the cities', Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth Research Report n.50, Australian Council for Educational Research, Camberwell, Victoria, viewed 22 February 2007, http://www.acer.edu.au/research/projects/lsay/research.html, and ACER media release at http://www.acer.edu.au/news/documents/LSAY50_web.pdf viewed 22 February 2007.)
Full-time employment was a major factor influencing young people's decisions about where to live. Those able to secure full-time employment in non-metropolitan areas were more likely to remain in those areas, while those who found full-time employment in metropolitan areas after completing their studies were more likely to stay in metropolitan areas. No significant differences were recorded in employment rates, average income, work hours and measures of life satisfaction among young people who stayed in non-metropolitan areas, those who left non-metropolitan areas but subsequently returned and those who left non-metropolitan areas and had not returned. Rates of home ownership were slightly higher among those who stayed in or returned to non-metropolitan areas. (Source: Hillman, K. and Rothman, S. 2007, 'Movement of non-metropolitan youth towards the cities', Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth Research Report n.50, Australian Council for Educational Research, Camberwell, Victoria, viewed 22 February 2007, http://www.acer.edu.au/research/projects/lsay/research.html, and ACER media release at http://www.acer.edu.au/news/documents/LSAY50_web.pdf viewed 22 February 2007.)
26. SAFETY AND RISK-TAKING
Adolescent brain development, parenting and injury prevention
Neurological research conducted in recent years suggests that brain development in adolescence may play a part in young people's risk-taking behaviours. In the February 2007 edition of 'YAPRap', the newsletter of the Youth Action and Policy Association of NSW, Clinical Assoc. Prof. David Bennett of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, discusses the implications of the research for parenting and for those working in the field of youth injury prevention. Bennett's article also includes a list of links to further reading on the topic. The newsletter is available electronically from the YAPA NSW website: http://www.yapa.org.au (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.2, 2007, pp.8-9.)
27. SEXUAL HEALTH
Opinions on sex education
Some people want more comprehensive and structured sex education in schools, and others say that sex education encourages early sexual behaviour in young people. SBS Television's INSIGHT, a forum/discussion show, is planning a show about young people and sex, and its organisers are keen to talk to people up to the age of 21 about their attitudes, thoughts and experiences of sex and sex education. It is completely confidential with no obligation to appear on TV. More details from: sashka.koloff[AT]sbs.com.au; ph: (02) 9430 3172.
Get Clued Up on Chlamydia
Get Clued Up is a website project of Reach Out! and the University of Sydney (incorporating the Department of General Practice and the Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre), providing young people with information about Chlamydia, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Australia. See: http://getcluedup.com.au/
Raising awareness about HepC
Hepatitis Australia is hosting a two day conference on 6-7 June 2007, for health and community workers with an interest in hepatitis C prevention and support. Scholarships to support conference attendance are available. Registration closes on 4 May 2007. See:
http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/07_conference.html
http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/07_conference.html
Sex advice via SMS
Sexual and reproductive health service provider Marie Stopes International has launched an innovative new service which provides users with sexual health information via mobile phone text messages. Targeted at 16–25-year-olds, sextxt (TM) is a not-for-profit service. Users access the service by texting the phrase 'sex info' to 19sextxt (19 739 898). A reply is then sent to users, giving them seven options for sexual health information. Further information can be obtained from the sextxt (TM) website and from a telephone counselling helpline. For more information, visit the sextxt (TM) website: http://www.sextxt.org.au (Source: 'TeenMatters', summer 2007, pp.17-18.)
Sexual health training CD ROM for youth workers
Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) and Queensland Health have produced a self-directed electronic training resource on blood-borne virus prevention and sexual health promotion with young people. The CD ROM 'HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and sexual health promotion with young people' is divided into three topics: sexuality, health and risk behaviours, information and communication, and issues and interventions. It contains interactive learning activities, links to relevant external resources and a range of background materials. This CD ROM would be a great professional development tool for anyone working with organisations or services accessed by young people. For further information, visit the FPQ website: http://www.fpq.com.au/youthproject/ or contact Liz Barber, FPQ's Youth Project Officer, ph: (07) 5531 2636; email: youthproject[AT]fpq.com.au (Source: FPQ website, viewed 5 March 2007.)
Young women and reproductive health issues
Abstracts are due by 4 April 2007 for the 'Let's talk about sex' young women's gathering on sexual reproductive health, to be held on 13 – 14 July 2007 at the Centre in Randwick, Sydney. The conference is an opportunity for young people across Australia to discuss sexual and reproductive health issues. It encourages youth participation and community networking, and aims to generate new knowledge about rights-based approaches to sexual reproductive health, and a greater understanding of the attitudes of young Australians. The organisers have called for presentations particularly from young people. Details at:
http://www.arha.org.au/ywg (Source: Australian Reproductive Health Alliance; and 'NAAH E-News' n.13, 16/02/2007.)
http://www.arha.org.au/ywg (Source: Australian Reproductive Health Alliance; and 'NAAH E-News' n.13, 16/02/2007.)
28. TECHNOLOGY
E-learning technology funding
The Australian Flexible Learning Framework is funding training organisations to trial the use of e-learning technologies for learners with disabilities, young people and mature age workers. Funded as part of the Framework's Inclusive e-Learning Project, four of the 12 trials are for youth, and the closing date is 26 March. Note: Before submitting applications, it is advisable to contact the project manager of the youth trial, Allison Miller, ph: (08) 8303 2670; email: allison.miller[AT]tafesa.edu.au Also see:
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/inclusive
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/inclusive
Students aren't information literate
A recent US study conducted by the Educational Testing Service suggests that although US university students appear to be fluent with technology, many are unable to use computers to solve information problems effectively. While they're comfortable using technology for leisure and social activities, they have much more trouble evaluating online material and using technology to find information. See: 'Inside Higher Ed', 15 November 2006, http://insidehighered.com/news/2006/11/15/infolit
29. WELFARE
Towards new indicators of disadvantage
The Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), together with ACOSS, Mission Australia, The Brotherhood of St Laurence and Anglicare (Diocese of Sydney), has been working on a major project to 'develop new indicators that can be used alongside existing instruments (e.g. poverty lines) to better identify the extent and nature of disadvantage in Australia'. Researchers conducted initial focus groups with users of welfare services and welfare agency staff to determine what these people believed was required to achieve a decent standard of living. Following this, written surveys were distributed to a random sample of Australians, plus an additional group of 670 users of welfare services. Survey participants were asked to examine an extensive list of items and name which ones they thought were essential for life in Australia today, whether they themselves had these items and if not, whether this was by choice or because they could not afford it. In this way, researchers could determine which items the general population considered to be essentials and those considered essential by people finding it hard to make ends meet. Findings from the general survey and the client survey were 'remarkably similar', both in terms of the ranking of items and the level of support for the items as essentials. Ranking highly on both lists were basic items such as medical treatment, food, and warm clothing and bedding, and also broader 'quality of life' factors such as being treated with respect, supportive family relationships and, for children, participation in school activities. The next stage of the project will, among other tasks, seek to create a list of summary measures to be used as the basis of a new indicator of disadvantage, as well as investigating which sectors of society are missing out on these essentials. For further information about the project, contact the SPRC, ph: (02) 9385 7800; email: SPRC[AT]unsw.edu.au; website: http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au (Source: 'SPRC Newsletter', n.94, November 2006, pp.9-12, viewed 7 March 2007, http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/nl/NL94.pdf.)
30. YOUTH AFFAIRS
National Youth Week
By the time the next edition of this newsletter comes out, Australia's National Youth Week 2007 will be well underway. It is being held on 14-22 April 2007, and more information can be found at: http://www.youthweek.com
National youth affairs conference: 'Are We There Yet? Past learnings, current realities and future directions for youth affairs in Australia'
This is the first national youth affairs conference to be held for over a decade. It will bring together youth workers, young people, teachers, drug and alcohol workers, youth health workers, housing and homelessness workers, national youth organisations and the state and territory youth peak organisations, as well as academics, policymakers and government workers from across Australia. The aims of the conference are to promote best practice in the youth sector; provide an opportunity to network and share ideas; to debate and discuss new research on young people and youth issues; to formulate and promote new policy directions for the sector and to ensure the participation of young people from across Australia. The conference will take place on 1 - 3 May 2007 at the Melbourne Park Function Centre. Details are at: http://www.yacvic.org.au/conference , the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria website -- YACVic is the lead agency in organising the conference.
31. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Youth development projects in south-eastern Sydney
In September 2006, the NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health (NSW CAAH) published the findings from its consultation and participatory review of youth development projects run by youth services in south-eastern Sydney, conducted between December 2005 and July 2006. The review sought to identify and describe examples of good practice in youth development within youth development activities and services. It focused on organisational and project processes that strengthen the implementation of youth development activities, common experiences and issues among the services interviewed, identifying the types of support needed to plan, implement and advance youth development projects from a sectoral perspective and case study examples of how services are implementing good practice in youth development. As well as reporting on the findings of the review, the published report looks at definitions of youth development and good practice in youth development, and provides a list of further reading for youth workers interested in finding out more about youth development. The report can be downloaded from the NSW CAAH website: http://www.caah.chw.edu.au (Source: Chiang, F., Moses, K. and Petersen, A. 2006, 'Good practice in youth development: Perspectives from south-east Sydney', Communities division, NSW Department of Community Services.)
32. YOUTH WORK
What Works survey
Reminder: contribute your input to the What Works survey on the Australian Youth Research Centre website http://www.edfac.unimelb.edu.au/yrc/taylor_surveys/what_works.html See the full story at the start of this newsletter.
Youth work code of ethics
The Youth Action and Policy Association of NSW has started a youth work ethics blog where youth workers can discuss ethical dilemmas related to their work. YAPA will post a new ethical dilemma for discussion each month. The blog's at:
http://youthworkethics.blogspot.com
YAPA encourages youth workers and youth agencies/projects in NSW to add their names to a new voluntary register supporting the Code of Ethics for Youth Work, which YAPA hopes will be adopted as a national code of ethics for youth work. The code was originally developed by Dr Howard Sercombe in conjunction with the youth sector in Western Australia. To find out more about the code and what it means to be on the register, visit http://www.yapa.org.au/youthwork/ethics (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.2, 2007, pp.12-13.)
http://youthworkethics.blogspot.com
YAPA encourages youth workers and youth agencies/projects in NSW to add their names to a new voluntary register supporting the Code of Ethics for Youth Work, which YAPA hopes will be adopted as a national code of ethics for youth work. The code was originally developed by Dr Howard Sercombe in conjunction with the youth sector in Western Australia. To find out more about the code and what it means to be on the register, visit http://www.yapa.org.au/youthwork/ethics (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.2, 2007, pp.12-13.)
NSW youth work conference
The annual NSW youth work conference will be held in Sydney in September 2007, and further details will be announced nearer the time on the Youth Action and Policy Association of NSW website, http://www.yapa.org.au
33. YOUTH WORK TRAINING
The Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Development Work
RMIT provides this two-year diploma in partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Programme via distance education. It reaches youth workers in 40 member countries, in partnership with 25 universities and other institutions. The diploma's 14 modules provide youth workers with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in their work, covering the theoretical and practical aspects relating to youth empowerment, development and leadership. The main objective of this programme is to equip youth practitioners and leaders with a set of generic core competencies in youth development, through knowledge, values and skills development. Applicants must be working in the field to qualify for admission to the course. The diploma is funded through the Commonwealth, with an annual student fee of $900.00. To apply, send your details, including your address, to Peter Leech, Coordinator Youthwork Programs VE&T; email: peter.leech[AT]rmit.edu.au or ph: (03) 9925 4115. (Source: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology email, 15 March 2007.)
34. YOUR feedback about this newsletter
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