No. 131, July 2007: Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies

The Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies, the publishers of this newsletter, are the publishers of 'Youth Studies Australia' (our flagship publication) and also produce the Youth Facts and Stats website. Have you explored the rest of our very comprehensive website recently? See the resources section, the events calendar, topics area, and our list of courses in youth work available at tertiary institutions around the country. Please take a look and send us your feedback via the website forms, or via email to: anne.hugo@utas.edu.au We value your input.

Beanbag wants your input

Beanbag is a program of the Inspire Foundation aimed at young people aged 16-25 from a diverse range of social, cultural and economic backgrounds. First launched in 2001, Beanbag works with youth services around Australia to provide young people with access to Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), tailored training and opportunities to participate in multimedia projects and a digital photography competition all of which promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Beanbag wants to provide more opportunities for agencies to support young people to participate in these creative technology initiatives and seeks input from organisations that work with young people -- see their online survey at: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey.zgi?p=WEB226PD7MWUN7 (it takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be online until 10 August). For more details, contact Inspire Foundation's Michelle Blanchard: ph: (03) 9825 5170; email: michelle[AT]inspire.org.au, or see the Beanbag website: http://www.beanbag.net.au Inspire is at: http://www.inspire.org.au

2. BULLYING

Government funding for bullying research

The Australian Government is providing $200,000 funding for a number of research projects on bullying in schools. Researchers at Edith Cowan University in WA are investigating the causes of covert bullying and strategies to deal with the problem, while researchers at the University of South Australia are embarking on a project to record "spoken stories" about bullying from students, teachers and parents affected by bullying. (Source: 'Education Review', v.17, n.4, 2007, p.1.)

Cyber bullying: Issues for policy-makers

This one-page Australian Institute of Criminology fact sheet points out that cyber bullying could be a response to conventional bullying, and that cyber bullies might themselves be victims of bullying. More common among adolescents than younger children, cyber bullying is also harder for its victims to avoid. Reviewing international cyber bullying literature, Canadian researchers noted that any policy response should have the best interests of the bullied child at the fore, but should be balanced against the rights of privacy, liberty, freedom of expression and security. They also noted that prevention is better carried out through schools, and recommend that research should continue into cyber bullies, and that parents' lack of awareness of the problem should be addressed. The fact sheet (at: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/crm/crm059.pdf) is part of the 'AICrime reduction matters' series (n.59; ISSN 1448-1383,
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/crm/crm059.html).

The Peer Support Program: Now in Tasmania

This program has not been mentioned in YFX for a few years -- it's a proven, valuable learning experience for students and, when used in conjunction with other strategies, provides a powerful tool for bringing about positive cultural change in school communities. The program is managed through the Peer Support Foundation, a non-government, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Department of Science, Education and Technology, the Department of Health and Ageing and the NSW Health Department. This funding has enabled the Peer Support Foundation to produce a range of modules, which focus on transition, orientation, resilience, anti-bullying, values, relationships and optimism. The Peer Support Foundation has supported young people for over 30 years, and has evolved from being a secondary school drug education program to an integrated and sustained mental and social health program spanning Kindergarten to Year 10. The program's been adopted by over 1,400 schools in NSW, Queensland, the ACT, and is now, thanks to seed funding from the Australian Government's Suicide Prevention Strategy, will be in Tasmania too. The funding is for staff training and resources for Tasmanian schools. Recently developed anti-bullying modules are important components of a whole school approach to address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way. Further information about the Peer Support Program can be obtained from Sharon Austin, General Manager, The Peer Support Foundation (Sydney office) ph: (02) 9905 3499 or from http://www.peersupport.edu.au Training workshops will be held in Hobart on 31 July and in Launceston on 1 August and in other areas according to demand. See:
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/agency/pro/suicideprevention/index.php

3. CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP

Room for improvement in what students know about civics

In December last year, the Australian Council for Educational Research released findings from its first assessment of what students in Years 6 and 10 knew about civics and citizenship. ACER conducted the assessment in 2004 on behalf of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). In an article in the winter 2007 edition of ACER's 'Research Developments', Suzanne Mellor, ACER's project director for the MCEETYA National Assessment Program, Civics and Citizenship, reports that the assessment revealed "substantial gaps in students' knowledge and understanding of the key concepts tested" and that an appropriate curriculum, accompanied by professional development for teachers, is needed. A second assessment is being conducted this year. (Source: 'Research Developments', n.17, winter 2007, pp.11-13.)

Democracy in the USA and youth engagement

Peter Levine, director of the Center for Information and Research on Civic and Learning Engagement at the University of Maryland, recently published 'The Future of democracy: Developing the next generation of American citizens', which focuses on the importance of youth civic engagement, the decreasing rate of youth engagement in the USA and strategies for reversing that trend. See: http://www.upne.com/1-58465-648- 4.html

4. CRIME AND JUSTICE

Goodcopbadcop blog

The 'goodcopbadcop' project, an initiative of the Youth Action and Policy Association of New South Wales (YAPA) and the NSW Youth Justice Coalition, is part of Youth Justice, a blog dedicated to the discussion of youth justice issues, such as youth justice conferencing, the youth drug and alcohol court and anti-social behaviour orders. The project gives young people in NSW the opportunity to tell others about positive or negative experiences with NSW Police, rail transit officers and private security guards. Youth workers are also invited to share the experiences of their clients through the goodcopbadcop blog, at http://www.justiceyouth.blogspot.com For more information, email YAPA: policy[AT]yapa.org.au or call YAPA's John Ferguson, ph: (02) 9319 1100. (Source: 'YAPRap', newsletter of the Youth Action and Policy Association of New South Wales, v.17, n.6, 2007, p.4.)

Fact sheets on crime and young people

Consultancy, research and training company CHD Partners has made available two series of fact sheets on crime and young people, which include information on how to develop a local crime prevention plan, and a series on young people and shopping centres. See: http://www.chdpartners.com.au/resources/factsheets.asp (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.6, 2007, p.17.)

Just search

The Law and Justice Foundation of NSW has developed a search engine for finding justice-related information on socially and disadvantaged people. The Just Search search engine can scan the full text of 16 Law and Justice Foundation reports on the legal needs of disadvantaged groups in NSW. It can also search by specific groups, such as children and young people, women, people who are disabled or homeless, and can provide information from other relevant research, community, and legal education resources. See: http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/justsearch

Juvenile arson intervention programs in Australia

This new report, by Damon A Muller and Ashley Stebbins, is part of the Australian Institute of Criminology's 'Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice' series (n. 335; ISBN 978 1 921185 40 3 ; ISSN 0817-8542, May 2007). The abstract on the AIC website describes juvenile arson intervention programs for young arsonists: 'The approaches that the programs take vary, but all include education about fire and cognitive behavioural approaches to problem behaviours. Most programs maintain strong linkages with mental health and other social services. To date, there has been limited evaluation of the programs, but anecdotal evidence suggests that they are viewed as successful. Formal, independent evaluation of programs should now be undertaken to ensure that they are effective in stopping firelighting behaviour among young people.' (AIC website, http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi335.html, viewed 16 July 2007).

'The young adult outcomes of childhood and adolescent antisocial behaviour: An Australian cohort'

This is the final report from a project funded by the Criminology Research Council and published in May 2007 by the Australian Institute of Criminology. The report focuses on the link between the types of childhood and adolescent antisocial behaviour and young adult outcomes. It's neither an easy report to summarise nor to read, but its findings importantly point to the need for prevention programs that address persistent antisocial behaviour, both in childhood and well into adolescence, to prevent a progression towards adult offending. (Source: http://www.aic.gov.au/crc/reports/200405-27.html)

5. DRUGS

Social Norms Analysis Project

Students tend to underestimate the proportion of students who never drink alcohol or drink at low levels, but tend to overestimate the proportion of students who drink alcohol frequently -- that's according to surveys conducted at high schools in two regional areas of Tasmania. The surveys were part of the Social Norms Analysis Project, an Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation-funded project designed to provide young people with survey-based research findings to address their misconceptions about the drinking habits of their peers. Key messages from these school surveys are promoted through school-based media campaigns. The project is a collaboration between two University of Tasmania organisations, the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) and the Department of Rural Health, along with Tasmania Police, the Tasmanian Government Department of Health, and various local governments. Contact TILES: email: tiles.admin[AT]utas.edu.au; or see: http://www.utas.edu.au/tiles (Source: 'UniTAS', newsletter of the University of Tasmania, n.308, May 2007, p.4.)

Impact of alcohol abuse in families

Dr Delyse Hutchinson of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has conducted a review of the literature on the impact of alcohol abuse on children. As with substance misuse in general, the literature details evidence of negative child development outcomes from early childhood through to adolescence. The literature confirms that parental alcohol problems can result in poor family functioning in a number of respects. Dr Hutchinson's research is described in an article, 'Who is caring for the kids', in the current issue of 'Of Substance' (v.5, n.3, 2007, pp.10-13; http://www.ofsubstance.org.au)

SKATE (Supporting Kids and Their Environment) scoops the pool

The SKATE program at Glastonbury Child and Family Services, in Geelong, has won the 2007 National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence in Services for Young People. SKATE provides special group work services for children and extended family members affected by substance misuse, and includes a brokerage service to facilitate young people's participation in community activities. The program is funded through the Australian Government's National Illicit Drugs Strategy. See the Glastonbury Child and Family Services website: http://www.glastonbury.org.au (viewed 16 July 2007). (Source: 'Of Substance' v.5, n.3, 2007; http://www.ofsubstance.org.au)

Consortium to launch National Cannabis Control and Prevention Centre

A national consortium, led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), has been selected to establish the National Cannabis Control and Prevention Centre which will tackle the growing problem of cannabis abuse and addiction in Australia. The consortium's 7 agency members are NDARC, the National Drug Research Institute, ORYGEN Youth Health, the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, the Ted Noffs Foundation, the Australian Institute of Criminology, and Lifeline in Australia. The centre will provide information, particularly to young people, on the risks associated with cannabis use. The centre will also support the health sector and other services that work with people with cannabis-related problems and their families. The government has committed funding of $14 million to the centre over the next 4 years. (Source: AUSINET noticeboard, http://auseinet.com/noticeboard/ausei90.php, viewed 28 June 2007.

[UPDATE: see the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre]

Something to add to the new consortium's resources is the Parliamentary Library's Research Note no. 21 2006-2007, which presents findings from recent research in response to the frequently asked question, "Does cannabis use lead to mental health problems?" The research note, by Luke Buckmaster and Matthew Thomas, concludes that the evidence it reviews "suggests that cannabis use is associated with the development of mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression" and also shows the "ongoing debate over exactly how this association should be characterised'. See the Parliament of Australia website, http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/RN/2006-07/07rn21.htm (viewed 12 July 2007).

From GO to WHOA: Psychostimulant training program for health professionals

This is a new, and national, program from Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. The program, commissioned and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, and developed by Turning Point with the help of specialist clinicians, researchers and educators from across Australia, is being delivered nationally and is aimed at health professionals as well as mental health workers and alcohol and drug workers. While it is coordinated by Turning Point, the program will be delivered by specialists based in individual states and territories. For details, contact: Kieran Connolly, ph: (03) 8413 8704; email: kieranc[AT]turningpoint.org.au and for registrations and more, see:

http://www.turningpoint.org.au/e&t/Go_to_Whoa.htm

Guidelines for dealing with meth-induced psychosis

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia has produced a resource to help health care professionals to treat patients experiencing methamphetamine-induced psychosis in an emergency setting. The 'Guidelines for the medical management of patients with methamphetamine-induced psychosis' provides a review of literature on methamphetamine psychoses and suggested treatments. The resource is available for download from the DASSA website: http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Psychosis_guidelines.pdf (Source: 'Of Substance', v.5, n.2, 2007, p.6.)

6. EDUCATION

Australasian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE)

Researchers at ACER, with the participation of many Australasian universities, are developing a survey to measure university student engagement. Engagement data from the AUSSE, which makes it debut this year, can be used to help institutions attract and retain students, manage resources, monitor academic standards and learning outcomes, and support students' learning and development. The AUSSE measures student engagement through the Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ), a state-of-the-art instrument that provides measurement of 5 scales of involvement: active learning, academic challenge, student and staff interactions, enriching educational experiences, and supportive learning environment. More information on AUSSE and the SEQ is available at: http://www.acer.edu.au/ausse/

More ACER news

* Once again, ACER has been selected by the OECD to conduct the major international components of PISA -- the Programme for International Student Assessment -- for 2009. This will be the 4th cycle of the PISA study, which assesses the reading, mathematical and scientific literacy of 15-year-old students in more than 50 countries. ACER will also develop a computer-delivered assessment and will lead an international consortium of research and educational institutions and eminent individuals to deliver the International PISA project. The testing will take place during 2009 with publication of the results due in late 2010. See ACER's PISA web page at: http://www.acer.edu.au/research_projects/pisa_int_2009.html

* ACER has been awarded a research grant from the Australian Scholarships Group to analyse responses from its Social-Emotional Well-Being survey. This analysis will examine how factors such as gender, year level and socioeconomic status affect students' well-being. ACER will then present seminars in Australia's major capital cities detailing findings from this research.

* ACER has set up a new research program in the area of Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation, designed to "strengthen ACER's research into a range of education policy issues. The program will build ACER capacity to bid for and undertake work in the area of program evaluation".

Sources: 'ACER eNews', n.54, June 2007 and from ACER's news magazine, 'Research Developments' n.17. See: http://www.acer.edu.au/resdev/17_index.html and http://www.acer.edu.au/enews/0706_index.html, viewed 27 June 2007).

Turning social exclusion around with the Clemente Catalyst Program: From life on the streets to tertiary study

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is opening its doors to the less fortunate in an innovative program that's changing lives. The Catalyst-Clemente program is modelled on a successful initiative in the USA and is based on the belief that poverty is more than just exclusion from material goods -- it's also about social exclusion. The initiative is a joint initiative between the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Mission Australia and the St Vincent de Paul Society, and universities, community organisations and businesses across Australia are being encouraged to become involved in the groundbreaking program, which works with people who have faced, or continue to face, a range of issues, including mental and physical illness, addiction or the risk of homelessness. It uses the Arts and Humanities to build participants' self-esteem, create a feeling of community engagement and develop new possibilities for the future. More details are on the Mission Australia website http://preview.tinyurl.com/2ptbym (Source: ACU, http://www.acu.edu.au/ and ABC TV, 7.30 report transcript, 5 July 2007, at:
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2007/s1971163.htm )

Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth research contract awarded to NCVER

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has signed a contract with the Department of Education, Science and Training to provide analytical and report writing services for LSAY, which tracks groups of young people aged 15-25 over time from the middle years of schooling. The data helps us to understand the choices and experiences of young people as they move from school, to further education and training, or work. The Australian National University's Social Policy Evaluation Analysis and Research Centre is a collaborator on this contract. See:
http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/training_skills/programmes_funding/programme_categories/key_skills_priorities/lsay.htm
or get there via: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3afwbj

New from the ABS: A directory of education and training statistics, 2007

A directory of statistics related directly, or indirectly, to education and training in Australia, and including information and links to statistics on international student enrolments, longitudinal surveys of children and of youth, has just been released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. See: http://www.abs.gov.au, or get to the directory via: http://preview.tinyurl.com/329wtf

7. EQUITY

Equity Research Centre Research and Project Panel

The Equity Research Centre Research and Project Panel comprises a range of specialists in the fields of vocational education, adult community education and employment transition. The Equity Research Centre draws on this panel both to engage contractors/consultants for a variety of projects and to seek specialised advice. If you are interested in becoming a member of the panel, get a copy of the Research and Project Panel checklist from Dr Helen Kimberley, Executive Director of the ERC: helenkimberley[AT]equityresearch.org.au (Source: 'Fair Go', newsletter of the Equity Research Centre, June 2007, p.4.)

8. HEALTH

Young Australians: Their health and wellbeing 2007

This report is the third in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's series of statistical reports on the health and wellbeing of young Australians aged 12-24 years. According to AIHW director Penny Albion, the report indicates that '... most young people in Australia are faring well but there are still significant areas of concern. In particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds continue to be disadvantaged across a broad range of health and socioeconomic indicators. In addition, rising hospital separation rates for some chronic conditions and high rates of mental illness and some communicable diseases indicate the potential for further health gains to be made in these areas' (AIHW 2007, Young Australians: Their health and wellbeing 2007, p.vii). The first and second reports were published in 1999 and 2003 respectively. A summary of the contents of the report is given on the ACYS website, at:
http://www.acys.info/news/aihw_report_on_youth_health
Download the full report from the AIHW website, at:
http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/aus/yathaw07/yathaw07.pdf (1.9MB PDF, viewed 13/6/07). Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra; http://www.aihw.gov.au viewed 12 July 2007.

Ask the children: Children and young people talk about health

This is a new report in the 'Ask the children' series from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, resulting from research by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People and the Social Justice and Social Change Research Centre, University of Western Sydney. It describes the conversations about health issues which the commission held between August 2005 and February 2006 with more than 200 children and young people in schools, youth advisory councils, hospitals, and disability services across NSW. These consultations were then presented to the NSW Health Department's Health Futures Planning Project in the commission's submission to that project. Parents, families and friends were identified as the young people's 'frontline' health providers. Younger children spoke about nutrition and exercise matters, whereas the older children spoke more about emotional health issues. 'The consultations also illustrated that some kids don't have a strong and supportive network of family or friends they can turn to. Where their relationships are "troubled or shaky", children and young people's health and wellbeing can be compromised.' For further information, contact Chris Hellmundt, Community Education, NSW Commission for Children and Young People, ph: (02) 9286 7238. To download the PDF of the report, see: http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/uploads/documents/atc-health.pdf

9. HOMELESSNESS

Young Women's Place and the My Place Project

The May 2007 edition of 'Parity', the magazine of the Council to Homeless Persons, includes an article on Young Women's Place, a community agency in Toowoomba, Queensland, which offers holistic support to young women experiencing housing difficulties and homelessness. The article, written by Young Women's Place youth worker Alison Smith, also describes the My Place Project, an action research project that the agency has been operating for the past 2 years. The project 'supports young people to plan their own transition towards an independent and positive lifestyle over a period of up to 2 years while maintaining a legal tenancy with a local private landlord'. This project operates in partnership with government departments, community agencies and private enterprise, and is currently seeking funding to employ family support workers so that the project can enter its next phase. (Source: 'Parity', v.20, n.4, 2007, p.14.)

10. INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES

Another Day Another Dollar

This is a board game designed at Melbourne Citymission Inc and created by young people, for young people. It provides information about debt, budgeting and about making the best decisions. For a short time only, the game is available free of charge for schools, youth services, community development agencies and educators. Contact Carley Allan, email: callan[AT]mcm.org.au, or ph: (03) 9680 8235. (Source: email, Simon LePage, June 2007).

11. INDIGENOUS YOUTH

SNAICC and the Federal Government's 'Emergency response to protect Aboriginal children in NT'

The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, or SNAICC, is Australia's national non-government peak body, representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. SNAICC's ongoing response to the Federal Government's 'Emergency response to protect Aboriginal children in NT' is on the SNAICC website at:
http://www.snaicc.asn.au/news/SNAICCresponseNTJune07.html and includes a number of media statements issued since 20 June 2007, comments and interviews with the media, discussions with other Indigenous organisations and the community sector, and discussions with the Federal Government. Details of the Federal Government's emergency response measures, announced on Thursday 21 June 2007, are on the FaCSIA website at: http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/Minister3.nsf/content/emergency_21june07.htm
or get there via: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3462rg

Success stories in Indigenous health

Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) has just launched its new website, which features a special section of success stories in Indigenous health. The stories are from the ANTaR publication, 'Success stories in Indigenous health', the Australian Medical Association's 'the Good News', and others that have been submitted online. See: http://www.antar.org.au/ (Source: AUSINET noticeboard, http://auseinet.com/noticeboard/ausei90.php, viewed 28 June 2007.)

'Pathways and barriers: Indigenous schooling and vocational education and training participation in the Goulburn Valley region'

The May 2007 edition of 'Professional Educator' magazine contains an article outlining research conducted by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne into vocational opportunities for Indigenous young people in the Goulburn Valley region in Victoria. The research identified a number of school-based issues that contribute to low school participation and retention rates among Indigenous students, including 'culturally biased curricula, the 'white middle class' language of teachers, the lack of Koori educators in schools and the absence of a general affirmation of Indigenous culture and identity'. The researchers found that these low retention and participation rates meant that vocational education and training was offered too late to engage the majority of Indigenous students. Strategies recommended include 'intensive investment in early literacy and numeracy programs' and 'highly coordinated individual case management' for Indigenous students. A full copy of the report can be viewed at: http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1734.html (Source: 'Professional Educator', v.6, n.2, 2007, pp.32-33.)

Engaging again

Teachers at Gunnedah Public School in north-western NSW are currently developing an off-site learning program to re-engage male students who have difficulties in mainstream classrooms and are at risk of recurrent suspension. When fully implemented, the 'Engaging Again' program will consist of a 20-week program catering for up to 10 students at a time. The program aims to re-engage these students through experiential learning, exposing them to local sites of cultural significance, events of shared (Aboriginal/European) history and environmental issues. The use of ICT resources and the development of mentoring relationships with local Indigenous elders, business leaders and other members of the community are features of the program. Although the program has an Aboriginal focus, it is open to all at-risk male students in Years 5-8. (Source: 'The Boys in Schools Bulletin', v.10, n.2, 2007, pp.2-5.)

12. MENTAL HEALTH

Communities of Youth Services (headspace): Call for submissions, 2nd funding round

headspace is calling for submissions from organisations across Australia interested in establishing a Community of Youth Services. Applications are required by the close of business on Monday 10 September 2007. The Communities of Youth Services strategy is focused on building the capacity of local communities to identify the need for, and to provide timely responses to, mental health and related substance use issues concerning young people aged 12-25. Submission information and application forms are available by registering at http://www.headspace.org.au For information contact (03) 8346 8213 or email funding[AT]headspace.org.au Information sessions will be held in each state and territory. For more details, see: http://www.headspace.org.au

Connecting cultures at University High School

University High School in Melbourne has developed a student-led project to promote mental health and wellbeing among the school community by building bridges between the diverse cultures represented within the community. Last year, the Connecting Cultures project involved students organising, presenting and taking part in assemblies and activities recognising elite young athletes from diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal Reconciliation, food, music and dance from diverse cultures, and celebrations from a number of world religions. This year, Stage 2 of the project includes a range of activities with an emphasis on developing relationships within the wider community, particularly between students and their parents and between parents and other parents. For further information on the project, email University High School's Monica Chetty: chetty.monica.m[AT]edumail.vic.gov.au (Source: 'Connect', n.164-65, April-June 2007, pp. 9-11.)

Mental Health Matters Awards 2007

The Mental Health Matters Awards, an initiative of the Mental Health Association of NSW, 'aim to recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals and organisations who have demonstrated a commitment towards addressing key mental health issues on a local, regional or state-wide [NSW] level over the past 12 months'. Nominations for the 2007 awards close on 15 August. For further information, visit the awards website:
http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns/awards.htm (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.6, 2007, p.17.)

Positive Body Image Strategy

As part of the Victorian Government's 'Go for your life' Strategic Plan 2006-2010, which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians, the Department for Victorian Communities has devised a Positive Body Image Strategy to promote healthy body image among young people in the state. This strategy includes the facilitation of community awareness, education and training programs that address negative body image; providing Positive Body Image Grants of $5,000 to community organisations to implement positive body image, health and wellbeing programs; and building partnerships with media organisations to promote positive body image. The Victorian Government is currently developing a Media Code of Conduct on Body Image. For further information on this strategy, visit the body image page on the 'Go for your life' website:
http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au or get to the strategy page via: http://preview.tinyurl.com/332k7n (Source: 'Yikes!', newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, v.5, n.2, 2007, pp.12-13.)

13. MENTORING

RMIT'S Linking of Young people into Employment and Training project

Linking of Young people into Employment and Training (LYPET) is an innovative project that links trained community mentors with young people who are currently not involved in education, employment or training or who are 'at risk' of becoming early school leavers. The program aims to provide an opportunity for disengaged young people to be matched with an adult in their community who will assist them to become reconnected and 'work-ready'. Mentors complete a TAFE-accredited course, 'Mentoring in the Community', which provides them with an understanding of the issues faced by young people, and better equips the mentor with the skills needed to provide support. For further information, contact the LYPET Project Officer, Youth and Community Partnerships Group, RMIT, ph: (03) 9925 7231, email: sophia.pappas[AT]rmit.edu.au, web: http://www.rmit.edu.au/ycp/lypet

14. MOVEMENTS, CHANGES, MILESTONES

The Welfare Rights Centre (NSW) has moved to First floor, Suite 2, 55 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010. All other contact details remain the same. (Source: 'rights review, v.25, n.2, 2007, p.8.)

15. PARENTING

Grandparents raising their grandchildren: a new report from Mission Australia

A research partnership has been formed with Mission Australia, the Social Policy Research Centre (UNSW), the Commonwealth Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and the governments of NSW, SA and NT, to undertake a three year study into the issues facing grandparent-carers and identify the policies that will better support a growing group of grandparent-carers in Australia. Mission Australia's Anne Hampshire says that, according to the official statistics, 'there are 22,500 Australian families where grandparents are the primary carers of the grandkids. These grandparents look after more than 31,000 children' but that 'these figures significantly underestimate the true picture out there, and as a result, government policies aimed at supporting grandparent-carers are lagging behind, and subsequently, so are the number of services available'. Mission Australia's 'snapshot' publication, Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren, is online at: http://www.missionaustralia.com.au (Source: Mission Australia, email, 17 July 2007.)

Helping teenagers celebrate safely

Produced with assistance from the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, this fact sheet has useful information and tips about partying in and away from home. It covers topics such as alcohol consumption, discouraging gatecrashers, entertainment, appropriate supervision, transport and police involvement. It also provides guidance for parents and young people to develop agreements about appropriate behaviours, boundaries and options for keeping safe when away from home. See: http://www.youthsafe.org

The Druginfo Clearinghouse offers a similar fact sheet for parents on hosting teenage parties. See:
http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au (PDF document at: http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/download.asp?RelatedLinkID=588)

16. PARTICIPATION

Putting youth engagement into practice: A toolkit for action

This is a new resource from the Commonwealth Youth Programme, and is intended for youth-centred organisations and institutions to help them to 'find ways of bringing in young people as genuine partners in their work'. The toolkit (PDF document at: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2oafmh) is the product of joint contributions from the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit, the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, and the Royal Commonwealth Society. See: http://www.thecommonwealth.org (Source: Service News Worldwide, produced by Innovations in Civic Participation, Washington, DC. and http://www.thecommonwealth.org/)

Rock Enrol

Rock Enrol is a joint initiative between the Australian Electoral Commission and triple j which aims to encourage young people to have their voice heard by enrolling to vote. See: http://www.rockenrol.com.au (Source: AEC website, http://www.aec.gov.au/About_AEC/Media_releases/07_17.htm

17. POVERTY

Anti-Poverty Week 2007 (14-20 October 2007)

Anti-Poverty Week is a not-for-profit event to raise awareness of poverty and hardship around the world. To promote the week, or to organise an activity big or small, local or national, get in touch with the program's national coordinator Kate Morrison, ph: 1300 797 290, email: apw[AT]antipovertyweek.org.au. She has ready-made 'adverts' to help newsletter editors promote the week (in PDF, WORD, or JPG format). Also see: http://www.antipovertyweek.org.au

18. RESEARCH

Anger management and young people

The June 2007 edition of the Youth Action and Policy Association of the NSW's 'YAPRap' contains and article on anger management and young people. Suzanne Egan, a research officer with the Rosemount Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service at Marrickville in Sydney's inner west, outlines a research project she undertook following concerns raised in her organisation about the referral and treatment of young people "experiencing anger difficulties". Egan's research examined existing literature on the effectiveness of anger management programs, analysing how anger management was problematised within the literature. She also conducted questionnaires and focus groups on the issue with practitioners and clients from a range of agencies. She found that young people experiencing anger difficulties are best helped through "skills-based programs clearly linked to the everyday realities of young people's lives, coupled with a systemic approach that moves beyond the individual as the focus of intervention. Finally, consideration needs to be given to either adapting or developing programs to include difficulties with internalised anger". Contact details: Suzanne Egan, ph: (02) 9560 4588; email: rosemountresearch[AT]bigpond.com (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.6, 2007, pp.14-16.)

19. RIGHTS

Western Australian Government proposes Human Rights Act

The Western Australian Government is considering the introduction of a WA Human Rights Act to ensure the community's human rights are protected. For more information visit: http://www.humanrights.wa.gov.au or send an email to: humanrights[AT]justice.wa.gov.au, fax: (08) 9264 1836.

20. RURAL YOUTH

Time to go Heywire: regional and rural youth have their say

The ABC's annual Heywire competition is now open for entries. Heywire is about young people aged 16 to 22 from regional and rural Australia having their say about the things that are important to them. Entrants in this year's Heywire competition could find their stories end up on national radio, online or on ABC TV, as the competition now allows the format for entries to be text, as in previous years, or audio, pictures or moving images. The winning stories will be selected from each of approximately 41 ABC regions around Australia, and will be produced by the ABC and broadcast either on national ABC Radio, ABC Online, ABC2 or ABC TV. The ABC will work alongside the winners to help produce the pieces that will finally be broadcast on the ABC. Each winner will be invited to take part in the all expenses paid Heywire Youth Issues Forum, held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in February 2008. For entries and further information, see: http://www.abc.net.au/heywire or ring the Heywire hotline on 1800 26 26 46 (Source: email, ABC Heywire, 11 July 2007.)

21. SUICIDE PREVENTION

In the past year, the number of people at risk of suicide being helped by the SANE Helpline jumped by 50 per cent. (Source: 'SANE Helpline Report 2007' http://www.sane.org/helpline/helpline/helpline_report.html )

Tasmanian initiative by Mission Australia

Mission Australia recently launched an early intervention program aimed at addressing and preventing depression amongst young Tasmanians. The program, 'Stay on Track', will be delivered to Year 9 students across southern Tasmania and will involve young people delivering a series of 5 sessions to the students covering topics such as depression, signs and stigma, effects of depression, strategies for dealing with depression and staying on track. The program aims to empower young people to minimise the long-term effects of the illness and increase positive outcomes in life by raising awareness, removing stigma and educating youth about the signs and symptoms of depression before it becomes a clinical condition. The peer-facilitated sessions will be delivered on request from Tasmanian schools. In Mission Australia's 2006 National Youth Survey, depression was rated as one of the top 3 main issues of concern by 27.6 per cent of young Tasmanians. (Source: Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Steering Committee, Reference group update, July 2007; http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/agency/pro/suicideprevention/index.php viewed 16 July 2007.)

News from SPINZ (Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand)

The June issue of the quarterly newsletter from SPINZ (Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand, is online at: http://www.mindnet.org.nz (see the link to SPINZ e-news) and contains among its items a research article by Annette Beautrais and others on 'Effective strategies for suicide prevention in New Zealand: A review of the evidence', reproduced from a recent issue of the 'New Zealand Medical Journal'. SPINZ also report on the current edition of 'MindNet' (an e-bulletin for people interested in mental health and mental health promotion, http://www.mindnet.org.nz) which has as its theme 'mental health promotion in communities'. There is also an article by two Australian researchers, Lara Bishop and Stephen Rohan-Jones: 'Weaving the Net' offers advice on creating mentally healthy communities. MindNet also contains an update on New Zealand's National Depression Initiative.

Last but not least, SPINZ invites you to the 5th National Suicide Prevention Symposium, to be held at the Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences on 21-22 November 2007. For more information, contact Russell Tuffery, Information Officer SPINZ; http://www.spinz.org.nz SPINZ is a part of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz

23. WAR AND PEACE

What is it like to be one of the world's 300,000 or so child soldiers, and how do young people fare after their ordeal is over? For one vivid but heart-warming account, read the transcript of an interview by Andrew Denton with a young man from Sierra Leone who not only survived his ordeal, but also managed to regain his humanity and his trust in others, and now works as a campaigner for human rights. See: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s1968333.htm

24. VIOLENCE

Representative bodies call for more school counsellors

The Federation of Parents and Citizens' Associations of NSW and the NSW Teachers Federation have called for an increase in the number of counsellors working in schools across that state following three separate incidents in which secondary school students allegedly threatened staff and students with violence. Statistics from the NSW Department of Education indicate that of the 12,300 public school students suspended in 2006, 5,852 were suspended for violent behaviour. Acknowledging that inadequate mental health services for children and young people was an issue of national significance, RMIT educational psychologist Dr Kerry Hempenstall said that providing schools with more counsellors was not necessarily the solution. Read more in 'Education Review', v.17, n.4, 2007, pp.1, 19.)

25. WELFARE

Changes to Austudy and Youth Allowance payments

In the May 2007 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced that it would be extending eligibility for Youth Allowance and Austudy payments to postgraduate students "undertaking approved Commonwealth-funded Masters by coursework courses that are an entry requirement to a profession or are part of a restructure of existing course requirements". This will come into effect from 1 January next year. The government also announced in the budget that Austudy recipients would be eligible for Rent Assistance payments as of next year. (Source: 'rights review', newsletter of the Welfare Rights Centre, v.25, n.2, 2007, p.10, 13.)

26. YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

International Young Professionals Summit

The International Young Professionals Foundation is a useful source of information for young entrepreneurs and young professionals. See:
http://www.iypf.org/ They also issue a wide-ranging newsletter, which you can read online. Also on the website is information about their next International Young Professionals Summit, to be held in 2008. Contact: email: iyps2008[AT]iypf.org

Investing in youth: Unleashing the potential of young entrepreneurs

The Commonwealth Youth Programme is hosting this one-day conference on youth enterprise and sustainable livelihoods on 10 September 2007 at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. It will bring together young entrepreneurs, youth development NGOs, along with corporate managers and policy-makers to share best practices. The conference will also mark the launch of the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment 2007-2015, which calls for investment in enterprise education, training and micro-credit as 'measures to promote the economic enfranchisement of young people'. Contact: Bertha Oluwole, email: cyp[AT]commonwealth.int (Source: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/news/166531/130707investingyouth.htm viewed 17 July 2007.)

27. YOUTH

Project Australia: Be the Change

Project Australia is an independent, non-profit, national movement established in 2006 by a group of young Australians who seek to "connect Australians to new ideas, people, and projects through online discussions, action nights and project databases". It aims to provide online blogs from young leaders, and is currently holding "national nights of change" in major cities. See: http://www.projectaustralia.org.au or contact Siem Salem, email: enquiries[AT]projectaustralia.org.au

28. YOUTH SERVICE

Grants to support youth-led service projects

The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America have announced grants of up to US$500 to support youth-led service projects (overseas applications will be accepted provided that applications are written in English). These grants will help youth (ages 5-14) to plan and implement service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organisations are also eligible to apply provided that they engage younger youth (5-14) in the planning and implementation of the service. Service projects must take place between 1 October and 26 November 2007. Receipt deadline: 30 August 2007. Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need. See: http://www.ysa.org; (Source: International Young Professionals Foundation's July 2007 newsletter; http://www.iypf.org/news.htm)

Examples of service projects in Australia?

Besides Green Corps, what programs and initiatives do you know of in Australia that might qualify as examples of "youth service"? The editor of 'Service News Worldwide', newsletter of Innovations in Civic Participation, a not-for-profit think tank based in Washington, DC. is keen to know your answers to that question -- send them to anne.hugo@utas.edu.au for forwarding to ICP (by the end of July please).

Innovations in Civic Participation was founded in 2001 through the Ford Foundation and "seeks to work and change the mindset of organisations which hold the negative view of young people as a problem to be solved rather than a resource for change in their communities". (Commonwealth Youth Programme, news section, http://www.thecommonwealth.org/news/166511/130707cyp.htm) A recent article by an ICP researcher, Charlotte McDowell, is featured in the June 2007 issue of the World Bank Institute's 'Development Outreach' magazine, which expanded on topics covered in the 'World Development Report 2007: Development and the Next Generation'. Her article, 'Youth as assets for development', uses case studies from Bosnia, South Africa, and Burundi to illustrate the impact of youth service on youth development and civic participation. "By identifying and addressing local needs, youth engaged in service make important contributions to communities while reinforcing positive views of young men and women as assets rather than burdens to the collective wellbeing". (Sources: http://www1.worldbank.org/devoutreach/article.asp?id=417 and ICP website, http://www.icicp.org, viewed 18 July 2007.)

29. YOUTH WORK TRAINING

RMIT: Commonwealth Diploma in Youth in Development Work

This course starts soon so you need to act fast if you wish to enrol:

RMIT offers the Commonwealth Diploma in Youth in Development Work, a two-year distance education program delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Programme. It is recognised in 40 member countries across the Commonwealth through partnerships with 25 universities and institutions. The diploma's 14 modules provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively with young people in their communities. The community development focus enables students to build skills in project management, policy-making and conflict resolution and covers the theoretical and practical aspects relating to youth empowerment and leadership. The program is perfect for youth workers in rural and regional areas and extremely relevant for those wishing to gain pathways into degree level programs or those wanting to work internationally. Applicants must be working or volunteering in a relevant field to qualify for the program. The diploma is funded through the Commonwealth Secretariat, with an annual student fee of $900.00. To apply, contact David McElgunn, Director of VET Programs, RMIT University email: david.mcelgunn[AT]rmit.edu.au or ph: (03) 9925 4063. (Source: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology email, 5 July 2007.)

30. DID YOU KNOW ...

Connections were POEMS

For those who did not know, the Pathways Outreach Education Model (POEM) is now known as Connections, and its website, at http://www.dest.gov.au/connections includes current provider information, guidelines to the program and background information on the POEM pilot program. Contact the Department of Education, Science and Training for more information, email: connections[AT]dest.gov.au

PDF or puff of smoke?

What do your readers do when a publication is published only online in PDF format, and later disappears from the link where it was originally published? This matter is frequently discussed in IT and library circles. However it is even more important that the matter of longevity and accessibility be considered by all organisations that take advantage of the relative ease of online PDF publishing.