6. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Trends, statistics, news
The latest e-newsletter of the DrugInfo Clearinghouse newsletter is packed full of very useful links to recent alcohol and other drug statistics, and lists some of the major data collections and surveys that report on Australia's alcohol and other drug use and related issues.
Their news section contains links to recent news items that are youth-related, e.g. on brain disorder risk for teenage meth addicts. See http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au
Their news section contains links to recent news items that are youth-related, e.g. on brain disorder risk for teenage meth addicts. See http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au
Conferences, seminars
The Anex Illegal Drugs and Mental Health Conference (Melbourne, 3-4 September 2007) will focus on improving the capacity of frontline, primary and secondary prevention services to respond to mental health issues among people who use illegal drugs, and improve referral pathways to specialist care. The conference will put the facts on the table and challenge misconceptions, with very personal stories as well as research never before presented, and accounts from those in the field from speakers from many disciplines, exploring possible links and solutions in the light of new findings. See: http://www.anex.org.au/conference/default.htmand more conference news at: http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au
Prof. Christine Griffin of the University of Bath is giving a lecture as part of the National Centre in HIV Social Research (NCHSR) Colloquia series 2007, at the University of New South Wales on Thursday 20 September 2007. Her paper, titled 'Through the looking glass: Adventures as a scholar in the world of hepatitis C', will present the initial findings from the UK's Young People and Alcohol project, which investigates the role of alcohol marketing and branding in the constitution of young adults' social identities and the role of drinking in their lives. Prof. Griffin's address will describe focus group discussions with young adults aged 18 to 25 in a major city in the centre of England, and in a seaside town in England's west country. More at: http://nchsr.arts.unsw.edu.au/abstract_griffin.html
Living with parents who abuse drugs
A new study has found that about 13 per cent of Australian children are living with parents who abuse alcohol and illegal drugs --that's higher than international estimates of 10 per cent. These figures are contained in a new report from the Australian National Council on Drugs, which says family-friendly drug treatment programs are needed to cater for the large number of children exposed to substance-abusing parents. The report also stated that physical and sexual abuse is more common in such households. (Source: 'Exchange', the newsletter of the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, n.30, Winter 2007, p.5.)
Note: Holyoake provides support programs through some of its services to children and youth up to the age of 17 who live in families where drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent. An example is Kaleidoscope, a 6- to 8-week program run by Holyoake through Centacare, Sydney. For more information, email: holyoake@centacare.org
Note: Holyoake provides support programs through some of its services to children and youth up to the age of 17 who live in families where drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent. An example is Kaleidoscope, a 6- to 8-week program run by Holyoake through Centacare, Sydney. For more information, email: holyoake@centacare.org
7. EDUCATION
Motivating and engaging boys
The June 2007 edition of the 'Boys in Schools Bulletin' (v.10, n.2) contains two articles from the 2006 Department of Education, Science and Training report, 'Motivation and engagement of boys: Evidence-based teaching practices'. The report, written and researched by a group of academics from the University of Western Sydney in 2004-2005, examined the evidence-based teaching practices that were effective in improving the motivation, engagement and academic and social outcomes of boys, "particularly those at risk of disengaging from school-based learning activities". It recommends that Australian educators transform the schooling experiences of boys from Indigenous, low socioeconomic status, and rural and regional backgrounds by becoming international leaders in the development of "real-world curriculum policies", "real-world assessment, testing and benchmarking" and "real-world professional enhancement strategies". It can be downloaded from the DEST website: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/research_sector/publications_resources/profiles/motivation_engagement_boys.htm, or get there via: http://preview.tinyurl.com/25pt3m(Source: 'The Boys in Schools Bulletin', v.10, n.2, 2007, pp.26-38.)
Labour mobility and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications
The Centre for the Economics of Education and Training's latest working paper examines the policies, programs and measures that encourage the recognition of qualifications and promote mobility. The paper concentrates on developments in Australia, New Zealand and the European Union. CEET, which is a joint venture between Monash University's Education and Economics faculties and the Australian Council for Educational Research, produces and disseminates research on the economics and finance of education and training (Source: 'Research Developments', n.17, winter 2007, p.9; 'CEET working paper 65: Labour mobility and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications: European Union and Australia/New Zealand', http://www.education.monash.edu.au/centres/ceet)
InspirED (formerly, FutureLab Australia)
The group, education.au, are working with stakeholders nationally to develop InspirED, an initiative that aims to provide information and evidence-based resources for the education profession by identifying the latest thinking and practice in educational information and communication technologies. It will identify new technology applications and provide tools for practical professional support by systematically integrating expertise for all sectors of Australian education. See: http://www.educationau.edu.au
EDUCATION AND CAREERS:
'Smart Start 2008'
'Smart Start' magazine provides students in years 10 to 12 with advice on post-school career and education options. The 2008 edition of this magazine is now available in both hard copy and in digital copy. The digital copy includes additional features such as unlimited user access, interactive links and printable pages. See: http://www.smartstartmagazine.com.au/(Source: 'Education Review', v.17, n.4, 2007, p.16.)
Career Advice Network Australia: Connections
Formerly known as the Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM), Connections is an education and personal development program designed specifically for young people. It helps those aged 13 to 19 who are facing major barriers and have been disconnected from school for at least 3 consecutive months in the past school year. Connections is part of the Career Advice Australia Network and is available in about 60 locations across Australia. "If you enrol in Connections you can receive accredited education, life skills and employability skills training in a supportive setting. At the same time, you will be provided with help to deal with personal issues, create positive relationships and build self-esteem and resilience. The length of time spent in the Connections program varies according to your needs and the complexity of the issues you face. To find out more contact your local Connections provider." Source: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/career_development/programmes_funding/programme_categories/key_career_priorities/connections.htmor get there via: http://preview.tinyurl.com/2jxer8
Vocational education and training (VET) news
In November 2007, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is holding a series of research forums around the country titled, 'Strengthening regions, building partnerships'. "VET has a key role to play in strengthening regional communities both economically and socially", and the forums will explore the differences in VET services across Australia, how to make VET delivery effective in regional Australia; how to match learning programs to local skill needs; and how to develop effective VET partnerships with local government, non-government agencies, businesses and industry clusters. Dates and venues, as well as registration information, is outlined at:
http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/events/regional/forum.html(Source: NCVER News #164, http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/news/issue_164.html, viewed 15 August 2007.)
http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/events/regional/forum.html(Source: NCVER News #164, http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/news/issue_164.html, viewed 15 August 2007.)
Did you know? A guide to VET in Australia
NCVER have also issued a guide to VET to help those new to the system. It includes basic information about VET, why people choose it and who does so, as well as who funds it, how and where it is taught, and what qualifications it offers. It also provides a useful list of organisations and information services linked with the VET system. See:
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1790.html
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1790.html