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Cover (small) September 2008 Youth Studies Australia

Youth Field Xpress, November 2007

ACYS NEWS

What's in the December issue of the journal, Youth Studies Australia?

Feature articles include:

* The social consequences of 'how the sibling died'for bereaved young adults, by Andrew McNess. This article describes research into how the 'type' of sibling death affects the surviving siblings socially. The results show that the young adult was more likely to receive beneficial social support in cases where their sibling's death was more of a public than a private matter. The paper ends with an outline of how to support bereaved young adults effectively, and how to avoid unhelpful support behaviours.

* Youth 'at risk'? Young people, sexual health and consent, by Anastasia Powell. In Australia, there is a growing expectation that sexuality education should reduce the risks associated with youth sex by providing young people with information on protecting their sexual health, information that might be insufficient to ensure safe and autonomous choices. The paper also looks at how the problematising of youth sexuality affects sexuality education and violence prevention initiatives.

* Rural youth and multimedia: An interagency approach, by Susan Brumby, Robyn Eversole, Kaye Scholfield and Leanne Watt. The 10MMM multimedia project began in late 2002 in rural western Victoria. Now in its second stage, this inter-agency initiative intends to decrease rural youth's experience of social isolation using multimedia tools to promote youth 'voice' and leadership. Over time, the project allows for reflection on the extent to which it can become truly youth-driven and help youth in rural communities to take on more leadership roles.

* Mind the gap: Considering the participation of refugee young people, by Jen Couch. In the area of young people and participation, we might assume that more is better, but after many years of experience in working with and researching refugee youth, this author notes that ill-conceived and under-researched participatory programs might well place refugee young people at risk. She reminds us that participation must not be an 'ideological absolute' but rather a useful tool for empowering young people and improving their self-esteem. The changes that participation makes to young people's lives will stand a greater chance of being accepted if programs involve families and the wider community.

* Success with Wraparound: A collaborative, individualised, integrated and strength-based model, by Paul Wyles. A model of service delivery called Wraparound was developed in the USA, where it is used extensively in the disability, mental health, juvenile justice, education and out-of-home care fields. The model focuses on maximising collaboration between stakeholders as well as the services involved. This paper reviews the literature on evaluations of the model and also looks at an example of the application of Wraparound in an Australian context (the Turnaround program in the ACT) and its preliminary evaluation. Challenges and opportunities for the model are considered.
To subscribe to Youth Studies Australia, a key resource for anyone who works with youth, contact the Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies, email: ysajournal[at]acys.utas.edu.au or see: http://www.acys.info/journal

ARTS, MUSIC

Australia Council Arts for Young People award

This new award from the Australia Council honours business arts partnerships that 'enrich the lives of young Australians through engagement with and participation in the arts'. The inaugural award was won recently by a partnership between BHP Billiton and the South Australian Youth Arts Board. The partnership builds on the work of existing programs to deliver a suite of arts experiences for South Australia youth. The four-year, $1 million programs funded by this partnership place a particular emphasis on regional areas and on youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Some of the many programs that the partnership supports are: 'Artists in schools'; 'Playfull', a program of live performances in schools; 'D'Faces of Youth Arts', a youth arts company in South Australia; and the biennial 'Come Out' Australian Festival for Young People, the largest and longest running arts festival for children and young people in the southern hemisphere. Runners up for the award were partnerships between Rio Tinto WA Future Fund and State Library of Western Australia and Shell Geelong Refinery and Geelong Gallery. For more on the award, contact: Stephen Mahoney, ph: (02) 9215 9032. (Source: http://www.ozco.gov.au/news/news_items/2007_abaf_awards)

BEHAVIOUR

"6" -- A DVD about young males and help-seeking behaviour

The City of Melville has developed "6", a DVD resource consisting of short films for use by those in high schools and outreach services who work with young men in their adolescent years. Its purpose is to get them talking about their issues, to discover resilience and help-seeking behaviour, and also learn life skills along the way. Developed in conjunction with schools and organisations that work with young men, the DVD focuses on a group of 17-year-olds each facing their own battles, showing how they find a way out of despair and seek help. The DVD is accompanied by lesson plans to help teachers and facilitators in using the resource. More information on the resource is at: http://www.melvillecity.com.au/six To purchase the DVD ($33 plus GST), contact Janet Armarego, Health Promotion Officer, Health Services, City of Melville, ph: (08) 9364 0280; email: jarmarego[AT]melville.wa.gov.au
Note: A more comprehensive review of this resource will be appearing in the forthcoming December issue of the journal, 'Youth Studies Australia'; http://www.acys.info/journal

BULLYING

Bullying in schools and what we do about it

'Bullying: What do teachers think should be done' is a five-page article by Prof. Ken Rigby and Sheri Bauman in the October 2007 edition of 'Professional Educator' (pp.4-8). With recent research showing that bullying often continues despite the implementation of anti-bullying programs, it is interesting to read about what action teachers believe is appropriate for them to take to stem bullying behaviour. While teachers generally show a great commitment to taking action against bullying, the article points to interesting differences in opinion that sometimes escalate to "serious disagreements" among teachers as to the best way to deal with bullying in the classroom: some advocate that victims should be helped to defend themselves more effectively, but others believe that only the perpetrator of bullying should be the recipient of attention and help. The article outlines this difference of opinion very clearly in a table showing teachers' responses to a questionnaire asking teachers what action they would take over an incident of bullying (p.7). The article is sure to stimulate staffroom discussion of anti-bullying programs, and it coincides with the recent release of Ken Rigby's revised and updated work, 'Bullying in schools and what to do about it' (ACER Press 2007; ISBN 0 86431 184 2
$39.95; http://shop.acer.edu.au/acer-shop/product/A4005BK A review of this book is online at: http://www.acys.info/resources/research_tools/book_reviews/bullying

CULTURE, SUBCULTURES

Papers from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth relating to gangs

'Anti-gang strategies and interventions' by Prof. Rob White (University of Tasmania) reviews anti-gang intervention strategies and the limits to taking action on gang formation and activities. The first part of the paper provides a general overview of intervention strategies, outlining the need for scoping the issues at a local level, and answers questions about gang behaviour in particular areas or among specific community groups. The dynamics of group participation and transformations are examined. The second part of the paper reviews action on gang issues undertaken by government and community groups at the grassroots level (family and parenting approaches, school-based interventions, coercion, and community- and media-based strategies). Although there has been little evaluation of programs and strategies, a broad spectrum of approaches and programs could inform future action, especially interventions based on principles of participation and social inclusion. The paper concludes with observations on the need for a holistic approach to the issues of gangs and youth violence. The paper can be downloaded from:
http://www.aracy.org.au/AM/Common/pdf/Topical%20Papers/AntiGang.pdf

DISABILITIES

Auslan to be introduced into Queensland state schools

The Queensland Government has announced $30 million in funding to facilitate the introduction of Auslan (Australian sign language) into government schools in that state. In response to the funding announcement, Griffith University is developing a four-part graduate certificate in teaching Auslan, to bring Queensland into line with international best practice, using native sign languages rather than contrived sign systems like signed English. (Source: 'Education Review', v.17, n.7, 2007, p.6.)

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUES

Anti-ice campaign in Victoria

The Victorian Government has launched an aggressive campaign for November 2007 to March 2008, aimed at young people partying over the summer months, warning them of the dangers of using the drug 'ice'. Campaign material will appear in youth-specific media including social and music websites, dance and music festivals, and pubs and clubs. Their media release, at http://tinyurl.com/yps52s, ends with the useful contact details of DirectLine, a 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service on drug-related issues: ph: 1800 888 236. For information on drug issues visit http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au (Source: InfoXchange website, youth news section, http://www.youth.infoxchange.net.au/, viewed 16 November 2007.)

EDUCATION

C4C, a new educational model for Generation C

A paper by Dr Alex Bruns and his colleagues at the Queensland University of Technology indicates that a new generation of young people is emerging whose immersion in interactive and user-led technologies, such as Wikipedia and MySpace, may render conventional teaching methods obsolete. Dr Bruns and his colleagues have described this generation, known as 'generation C', as active producers of content rather than passive consumers of information. The authors urge educators to "reconceptualise learning designs" that will use generation C's capabilities effectively: "Generation C characteristics have implications for designing effective and efficient learning environments and the skill sets required of current and future academic staff". A new educational model called C4C is proposed to accommodate generation C, focused on building students' creative, collaborative, critical and communicative capacities. (Source: 'Education Review', v.17, n.7, 2007, p.19.)

Advancing equity in technical and further education

A paper published in the October 2007 edition of 'Professional Educator' magazine outlines findings from a research project on the influence of short-term funded equity initiatives within TAFE institutes. Observing practices at a number of TAFE institutes, researchers identified several mechanisms by which TAFE organisations can effectively merge 'bottom up' practice with 'top down' strategies, including 'addressing inconsistencies in accountability measures' and 'identifying the few individuals adept at boundary crossing and connecting with many'. The researchers recommend two adjustments to current practice to strengthen and lengthen the influence of equity initiatives in the TAFE sector: the development of 'longer-term and more investment-oriented funding framework', and the acknowledgment that 'leadership in equity provision can start outside the TAFE provider -- these outsiders are not only sources of vibrant initiatives, but can be the key to sustaining the new practice'. The full report 'Advancing equity: Merging 'bottom up' initiatives with 'top down' strategies' by Jane Figgis, Anne Butorac, Berwyn Clayton, Dave Meyers, Mary Dickie, Jeff Malley and Rod McDonald, is available from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research website: http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1742.html (Source: 'Professional Educator', v.6, n.4, 2007, pp.18-21.)

ASG social and emotional health report finds many students are facing social and emotional difficulties

The 'ASG student social and emotional health report', published by the Australian Scholarships Group and published in October 2007, is based upon a survey of more than 10,000 Prep to Year 12 students from 81 schools across Australia. The report found that a large percentage of students are experiencing social and emotional difficulties: four in 10 students worry too much, three in 10 are very nervous/stressed, two in 10 have felt very hopeless and depressed for a period of a week (during which they stopped regular activities) and four in 10 students have difficulty in "calming down". In general, students' social and emotional health decreased in the move from primary school to secondary school. Girls displayed significantly higher levels of social and emotional health than boys. The report recommends some critical actions for parents and teachers to adopt in order to support the social and emotional health of all students. The complete report, along with a number of additional resources (including summaries and images) is available from the ASG website: http://www.asg.com.au/ or can be requested by phoning ASG Corporate Communications, ph: (03) 9276 7775. (Source: Australian Scholarships Group 2007, 'Groundbreaking findings on the state of student social and emotional health', media release, 17 October, viewed 14 November 2007, http://www.asg.com.au/socialemotional)

ELECTION 2007

The federal election and young people

This is the lead story of the current edition of 'Yikes!', newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (v.5, n.4, 2007). In the article, YACVic outlines the issues it would like to see on the campaign agenda. YACVic notes that besides industrial relations and workplace reform, Medicare, and climate change, youth are interested in issues such as higher education, housing, the youth wage, public transport, Centrelink and welfare reforms, as well as "funding for schools to tackle racism"; "adequate indexation for federally funded youth services", and a "federal voice for children and young people" (p.3). Also on page 3, 'Yikes!' quotes Australian Electoral Commission estimates that 300,000 potentially eligible young voters will not be voting in this election, because they are not enrolled. (AEC 2007 'Youth electoral study research report 2', youth political engagement and voting'.)

and in NSW ...

'YAPRap', newsletter of the Youth Action and Policy Association NSW Inc., in its October newsletter, highlighted its YouTube YouthVote website, which is at: http://www.yapa.org.au/youthvote

YACSA's election tool kit

The Youth Affairs Council of South Australia has a section of its site devoted to the federal election, in the form of an election tool kit that explains how elections work, how to vote, and has an "FAQ" with questions such as, " How do I vote if I want a particular party to become the Government?" See: http://www.yacsa.com.au

Australian Youth Affairs Coalition's 2007 Federal Election Survey

This survey hopes to inform voters of the Australian political parties' policies about the issues that affect the wellbeing of young Australians. The Australian Youth Affairs Coalition or AYAC is the as-yet unfunded peak body representing Australia's non-government youth affairs peak organisations. In the lead-up to the 2007 Federal Election on 24 November, AYAC is asking the major parties questions on issues affecting young Australians and the youth sector in six key areas: education and training, employment, youth participation, health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness and the environment:
* Does your party support the re-establishment of a federal ministry for youth and, if so, what does your party see as being its focus?
* What will your party do with Youth Allowance and other education income support programs that have consistently been identified as being inadequate to support young people?
* How will your party increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing for young people?
* What steps will your party take to increase young people's ability to receive mental health services in a timely manner that is affordable and accessible?
The survey is at: http://www.ayac.org.au/ (Source: email, AYAC Chair, Alan Wu at: chair[AT]ayac.org.au)

Reminder to schoolies: Don't forget to vote

The Australian Electoral Commission has issued a media release reminding NSW HSC students who might be heading off to schoolies celebrations to remember to vote in the 2007 federal election. Those who know they will be interstate on election day, 24 November 2007, "can vote now before they travel" adding that "it is important that the more than 70,000 eighteen-year-olds enrolled in NSW don't miss out on their first chance to vote and have a say in Australia's future". Students "attending schoolies events in NSW who will be away from their home electorate on election day can cast an absent vote at any polling place in NSW on the day", but those who are interstate on voting day will only be able to vote at an "interstate voting centre". Details of polling places and interstate voting centre locations are at http://www.aec.gov.au, or contact the AEC, ph: 13 23 26 (Source: Australian Electoral Commission media release, 8 November 2007; http://www.aec.gov.au).

EMPLOYMENT

'Pregnant and working'

The Western Australian Equal Opportunity Commission has recently released a new publication for employers and employees on issues relating to pregnancy and employment. The publication, called 'Pregnant and working', can be obtained from the commission, ph: (08) 9216 3900 or 1800 198 149, or download it from: http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au (Source: 'Discrimination Matters', September 2007, p.3.)

ENVIRONMENT
Kids teaching kids

The book 'Kids teaching kids: Addressing our environmental crisis' outlines the Kids Teaching Kids environmental education methodology developed by Arron and Richard Wood, part of the senior management team at Firestarter, an environmental communication and education consultancy business based in Melbourne. This methodology is designed to educate young people on environmental issues and encourage them to take action in their schools and wider communities. The book and accompanying DVD include case studies and anecdotes from past environmental events and conferences and details on how to successfully run your own environmental event. Copies can be ordered by emailing the following address: info[AT]fire-starter.com.au For further information about Firestarter, visit: http://www.onelifeoneworldourfuture.com (Source: 'Connect', n.166-67, 2007 p.34.)

EQUITY

National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education

This new centre, to be established next year at the University of South Australia, will be working with the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Technology, Sydney to develop best practice resources for attracting and retaining students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It will provide outreach programs to universities, schools and the broader community. More details at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2007/121007.asp

ETHNIC YOUTH ISSUES

Multicultural youth in Australia: two papers

In October, the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues released two papers on multicultural youth issues, prepared by Steve Francis and Sarah Cornfoot of the CMYI for the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth. The papers review and summarise the evidence on the needs of multicultural youth in Australia and examine the current policy and program responses to these needs. Both papers have a national perspective and arise from consultation with state-based reference groups, government departments, community organisations and service providers working with refugee, migrant and second generation youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
* 'Multicultural youth In Australia: Settlement and transition' highlights the differences in experiences and needs of migrant, refugee and second generation young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It can be downloaded as a PDF from: http://tinyurl.com/29ejcy
* 'Working with multicultural youth: Programs, strategies and future directions' identifies both the successful strategies and programs that operate in Australia and the gaps in programs and their distribution, and as the title indicates, suggests future directions. It includes a useful if not comprehensive overview of programs in each state and territory. It can be downloaded as a PDF from: http://tinyurl.com/32hbae
(Source: 'cmyi e-news', September 2007, http://www.cmyi.net.au/CMYIeNews, viewed 16 November 2007.)

FAMILES, PARENTING

Grandparents raising their grandchildren: Snapshot 2007

This Mission Australia snapshot provides an overview of grandparents raising grandchildren in Australia and identifies the issues they are dealing with, such as a lack of financial resources and social support, and legal and parenting issues. The report draws on literature and interviews conducted with grandparents living in the Nowra region of NSW. See: http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/cm/resources/documents/Grandparents_Snapshot.pdf

Family separation: A guide for teens

This resource from the Child Support Agency aims to help the approximately 11,000 young people affected by divorce in Australia each year. For copies, contact the agency's Declan McGrath, ph: (02) 6272 8368

HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS

The National Youth Commission inquiry into youth homelessness

This independent inquiry is due to make its findings known during Youth Week in April 2008. For more information on the inquiry or the National Youth Commission, contact Youth Development Australia, PO Box 298, Brunswick Victoria 3056, ph: (03) 99401573; fax: (03) 9381 0700; email: info[AT]nyc.net.au

INDIGENOUS YOUTH

Remembering 'Bringing them home'

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 'Bringing them home' report (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families), the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) has produced a publication called 'Remember me'. This publication is a collection of essays reflecting on SNAICC's lobbying for and involvement in the HREOC inquiry, and the impact and legacy of the 'Bringing Them Home' report. Contributors include SNAICC chairperson Murial Bamblett, SNAICC executive officer Julian Pocock, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma. Print and electronic copies of the report are available from the SNAICC website: http://www.snaicc.asn.au/publications (Source: Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) 2007, 'Remember me: Commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 'Bringing them home' report', SNAICC, North Fitzroy, Victoria.)

Conference aims to strengthen Indigenous health workforce

The second Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Connection conference was held in Sydney in September. Co-auspiced by the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA) and the Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand, the conference was attended by leaders in academia, education, medicine, policy and Indigenous health from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. The aim of these conferences is to produce better-trained doctors in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and to rapidly grow the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors. According to Professor James Angus, Vice President of the Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand, an Indigenous curriculum framework and critical reflection tool have been accepted by all medical schools across Australia as an "essential ingredient for training our medical workforce at the undergraduate level in cultural safety and awareness". The challenge is to now "build on this training as all our young doctors progress through internship and further professional career development", he said. (Source: The Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association and Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand 2007, 'Leaders in medical education commit to stronger workforce in Indigenous health', media release, 25 September, viewed 14 November 2007.)

Resources on justice and Indigenous issues

The September 2007 edition of the newsletter, 'JARA: Justice Access Research Alert' (n.20; Law and Justice Foundation of NSW; http://www.lawfoundation.net.au/publications/newsletters/jara, viewed 18 October 2007) contains citations to a number of documents useful for those working in Indigenous affairs:
* 'Directory of Indigenous-specific evaluations 2001-2006' (Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination, Canberra, 2006; http://www.oipc.gov.au/publications/PDF/DirectoryOfIndigenousSpecificEvaluations.pdf)
* 'National Indigenous law and justice strategy: Consultative draft', (Attorney-General's Department, Canberra, 2007, http://tinyurl.com/2jl3s8; AG website). The draft identifies actions in four key areas: reducing crime and improving access to justice, reducing imprisonment and juvenile detention, increasing safety and reducing family violence.
* 'No vagrancy: An examination of the impact of the criminal justice system on people living in poverty in Queensland', by T. Walsh (University of Queensland,
http://www.qpilch.org.au/_dbase_upl/No-Vagrancy-Combined.pdf) The aim of this project was to investigate the extent to which people living in poverty interact with the workings of Queensland's criminal justice system.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

6th Commonwealth Youth Forum: 'Breaking barriers: Unleashing young people's potential for development.'

As you read this edition of YFX, this forum is taking place at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel, Entebbe in Uganda, from 14-21 November 2007. Over 150 youth from 49 Commonwealth countries are participating in this 10th anniversary session of the forum. Over the next week, young participants will discuss three key themes: sustainable development and climate change; conflict management; and social transformation and health, including HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. More at: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=172457 (viewed 16 November 2007).
The Youth Forum is the first in a series of official Commonwealth summit in the lead up to the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which takes place from 23 to 25 November 2007.

'Social role modelling and the influence of peers: A case study from Armenia'

This research paper by teacher and researcher Christine Kelly gives readers an insight into the behaviour of boys at two special schools in Yerevan, capital of Armenia. Kelly observed that "peers are the students' family" at these schools. The boys have poor social role models for their behaviour, given underlying issues such as sexual abuse, poor familial role models and harsh discipline from family and school teachers. The students' peers, who themselves have these negative role models, tend to "regulate behaviours through role modelling and aggression". The prevalent belief of masculinity held by peers, teachers, school, family and culture affect the male students' understanding of behaviour. "It is not until these models of masculinity are questioned and replaced by supportive and positive models that the cycle of destructive behaviour will change." A mentoring program has been proposed as an intervention to provide boys at these schools, whereby male tradesmen mentor groups of boys as they complete school community projects of the students' choosing, providing the boys with positive male role models. (Source: 'The Boys in Schools Bulletin', v.10, n.3, 2007, pp.37-43.)

MENTAL HEALTH

News from headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation

During November, headspace will be launching their new website specifically for young people, and recently launched the 'What's in your headspace' campaign to encourage young people to think about mental health and how they can get help for mental health problems. The campaign hopes to get a national conversation going around youth mental health with questions such as: "Who do you talk to if you are worried about your mental health?", "How would you get help for a friend if they need it?" and "Who inspires you?". Young people aged between 12 and 25 years are invited to visit the headspace website, http://www.headspace.org.au, to participate in this conversation and enter a related competition. (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.9, 2007, p.9.)

Anti-ice campaign in Victoria

The Victorian Government has launched an aggressive campaign for November 2007 to March 2008, aimed at young people partying over the summer months, warning them of the dangers of using the drug 'ice'. Campaign material will appear in youth-specific media including social and music websites, dance and music festivals, and pubs and clubs. Their media release, at http://tinyurl.com/yps52s, ends with the useful contact details of DirectLine, a 24-hour telephone counselling, information and referral service on drug-related issues: ph: 1800 888 236. For information on drug issues visit http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au (Source: InfoXchange website, youth news section, http://www.youth.infoxchange.net.au/, viewed 16 November 2007.)

PARTICIPATION

Get connected -- Take action!

A group of 22 Student Representative Council (SRC) members from schools around NSW have created a DVD called 'Get connected -- Take action!' to encourage students in NSW public schools to become involved in their school communities through student leadership and SRC activities. The DVD, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Learning Innovation, features vox pops with student leaders and footage of student-led school activities. 'Get connected -- Take action!' was launched at the NSW State SRC Conference in July this year. It can be downloaded from the NSW Public Schools website: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/studleadsrc/ For further information on the resource, contact Noel Grannall, NSW Department of Education and Training, email: noel.grannall[AT]det.nsw.edu.au (Source: 'Connect', n.166-67, 2007 p.34; 12 Brooke St Northcote, Victoria, fax: (03) 8344 9632.)

PASTA winds up

The Professional Association of SRC Teacher Advisers (PASTA) has decided to cease operations. This NSW-based organisation was established in 1995 and its newsletter has been included in 'Connect' magazine since 1997. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the resources on the PASTA website will continue to be maintained. See: http://www.ptc.nsw.edu.au/pasta (Source: 'Connect: the magazine for student participation', n.166-67, 2007 pp.2, 34; 12 Brooke St Northcote, Victoria, fax: (03) 8344 9632.)

Student voice: An historical perspective and new directions'

In April 2007, the Victorian Department of Education released the paper 'Student voice: An historical perspective and new directions', which provides a number of Victorian, national and international case studies on the engagement of student voice in schools. The editor of 'Connect' magazine, Roger Holdsworth wrote a review on this paper in the August-October edition of 'Connect', commenting that while the report provides a useful summary and analysis of student voice, "one is left with a sense of 'so what?' ... I eagerly -- and hopefully-- await the follow-up report that provides some more practical information and commitments about what is, can and will be done on what this timely report acknowledges is a central issue for schools". To judge the paper for yourself, download 'Student voice' from the Victorian Department of Education website at:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/research/researchpublications.htm (Source: 'Connect', n.166-67, 2007 p.33; 12 Brooke St Northcote, Victoria, fax: (03) 8344 9632.)

PROGRAMS

National endorsement process for community-based group work programs

'The Institute of Group Leaders (IGL) has launched a national endorsement process for community-based group work programs and a website register of those programs. This process enables organisations and individuals who have developed group work programs to obtain national accreditation. The endorsement process is focused on the program's development rather than the recognition of the competency of the facilitator.' For further information, email: admin[AT]igl.org.au or aking[AT]burnside.org.au (Source: 'YAPRap', v.17, n.9, 2007, p.4.)

Active8 and Activ8

YFX thought it might be worthwhile clearing up a potential confusion with two program names:
* Activ8 is the name given to the pastoral program of events, activities and materials developed by World Youth Day 2008 organisers to prepare young people across Australian Catholic dioceses, in parishes, youth groups, schools and homes, for World Youth Day, which takes place in Sydney on 15-20 July 2008. (http://www.wyd2008.org/index.php/en/australian_parishes_schools, viewed 16 November 2007.)
* Active8 Premier's Youth Challenge is a youth development program of the Office of Youth, Government of South Australia. It gives South Australian secondary school students the chance to get involved in their local communities, arranged through partnerships between schools, community organisations and young people. School students participate in a range of challenges that promote self-reliance, self-confidence and community service. The Active8 programs are delivered at no cost to the participants and, on completion of the program, participants receive recognition from the Premier of South Australia. (Source: Office of Youth, Government of South Australia, http://www.officeforyouth.sa.gov.au, viewed 16 November 2007.)

RESEARCH

Youth and social capital

YFX has heard of, but not yet seen, a new book edited by Helena Helve and John Bynner, 'Youth and social capital', published this month by the Tufnell Press (ISBN 1872767 77X; paperback 236 pp UK12.95, US$23.85). "As part of the developing field of youth studies, the book will be of much interest to academics and policy makers and practitioners working with young people", according to the publisher's website Through findings from research groups in Finland and England, it looks at how young people develop and use social capital in different contexts. "Social capital arising from social networks based on trust has been traditionally seen as the property of adults from which the younger generation gain benefit. Far less attention has been given to the production of social capital among young people themselves." (Source: Tufnell Press, http://www.tpress.free-online.co.uk/soccap.html)

European masters course in youth studies

The MA European Youth Studies (M.A. EYS) is a full postgraduate Master's degree, sponsored by a core consortium of universities from across Europe, each with a distinct regional role and identity and a teaching staff of key academics from the European youth field. Five satellite partners actively support the initiative and are scheduled to join the consortium in due course. In accordance with their regulations, partner universities can agree to accede to a joint degree award. Read more at: http://www.training-youth.net/INTEGRATION/EKC/Research/MA_European_Youth_Studies_Presentation.html and http://www.training-youth.net/INTEGRATION/EKC/Research/PPT_MA.pdf

Research at the Centre for Adolescent Health

The following items come from Dr Sheryl Hemphill, Project Manager, 2000 Stories (Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study) and Research Analyst, International Youth Development Study, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne; sheryl.hemphill[AT]mcri.edu.au)

Two PhD scholarships are available in 2008 at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Melbourne

Applicants are sought for two full-time PhD positions with scholarships at the Centre for Adolescent Health in 2008. The PhD projects (one using surveys and the other using in-depth interviews) are available through an Australian Research Council grant examining how school discipline affects student behaviour, wellbeing, and educational progress. The scholarships are each valued at $25,000 per year and will be available for the duration of three years, commencing in January 2008. The successful applicants will enrol through the University of Melbourne. Applications close on 28 November 2007. For more information see:
http://www.mcri.edu.au/pages/careers/employment.asp#job427 and
http://www.mcri.edu.au/pages/careers/employment.asp#job427

2000 Stories (the Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study)

This study has collected valuable information about its participants' development over a 15-year period and its findings have been widely published and used to inform public health policy both here and abroad (information about cannabis use was highlighted in a US media campaign). The study began in 1992 when 1,943 students in Years 9 and 10 were recruited. It aims to provide a snapshot of adolescent health to assist the government develop a public health policy specifically for adolescents. During their school years, participants completed six surveys on physical and mental health, behaviour, and drug and alcohol use at six-month intervals. Once the students had finished school, they were surveyed in 1998 and again in 2001-2003 about their work, university studies, relationships, living arrangements and offspring. A ninth survey has almost been completed, with about 80 per cent of the original participants. The results of this latest survey will be available in 2008. As survey participants and their families grow older, 2000 Stories has the unique opportunity to capture what influences generations of Australians.

RIGHTS

NSW: Guidelines for dealing with youth complaints

The NSW Ombudsman has developed a set of guidelines for dealing with youth complaints and a training package for its staff to improve service delivery to young complainants. The guidelines, developed through interviews with young people, youth workers and the NSW Ombudsman staff, aim to ensure clear, consistent and effective communication with young complainants, believing that it is "important for us to be accessible to young people and have a consistent approach to our interactions with them." The office of the NSW Ombudsman is now in the process of completing similar guidelines for distribution in early 2008 to agencies that handle complaints from young people. To receive a copy of the guidelines, contact Mandy Loundar, NSW Ombudsman Youth Liaison Officer, email; mloundar[AT]ombo.nsw.gov.au

RURAL YOUTH

Student laments the loss of NT Croc Fest

The October 2007 edition of 'Partyline', the newsletter of the National Rural Health Alliance, contains an opinion piece on the ramifications of the cancellation of the 2007 Croc Fest in the Northern Territory due to a lack of funding. According to the National Rural Health Network website, Croc Fests, which are held annually around Australia, 'engage young Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in education, careers markets, health-expo, sporting events and inspirational activities as well as performing and visual arts and crafts in an 100 per cent drug and alcohol free environment'. The 'Partyline' article by Jess Turner, a fourth-year Occupational Therapy student at the University of South Australia who is also a member of the ROUSTAH Rural Health Club and a senior representative with the National Rural Health Network, expresses concern at the loss of the event, which not only provides participants with 'a spark for personal development' but also gives tertiary students in health fields an opportunity to experience working in rural communities. 'This is about the future of Australian kids, particularly the empowerment of Indigenous kids in rural and remote Australia to look after their own communities. The personal growth achieved at Croc Fest for the students is a catalyst for their continuation of education and finding employment -- key social determinants of health.' (Source: 'Partyline', n.31, 2007, p.16; National Rural Health Network 2007, 'Croc Festival', viewed 15 November 2007, http://www.nrhn.org.au/site/index.cfm?display=39702)

SEXUAL HEALTH

"One 2 One": a 130-activity sexual health resource from HOT

This is a manual designed both by and for youth accommodation services and other youth workers who serve "the most at-risk young people". In developing the resource, HOT, a project of the Youth Accommodation Association in NSW, drew on its consultations with youth accommodation services in Sydney's west and southwest from 2003 to 2005. Workers told HOT that the kind of sexual health resource they would prefer would be one geared for one-on-one work with young people, and not group work. It needed to be user-friendly, engaging for young people (not just for workers), and colour-coded. The resulting manual contains 130 activities on self-esteem, communication, relationship and decision-making skills, as well as information on sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and other related issues. Cost: $70 plus $10 postage: See: http://www.yaa.com.au/hotfolder/resourceshot.html (Source: Youth Accommodation Association, the peak body for youth refuges in NSW, http://www.yaa.com.au)

TECHNOLOGY

Legal issues associated with YouTube, MySpace and Second Life

A new report, 'Legal aspects of Web 2.0 activities: Management of legal risk associated with use of YouTube, MySpace and Second Life', by Jessica Coates, Nic Suzor and Anne Fitzgerald, highlights the legal risks associated with activities conducted in online participatory spaces. It outlines the main considerations about copyright, privacy, defamation, breach of confidence and other areas of law that arise when engaging in the online environment. More details at: http://www.ip.qut.edu.au/node/78 (Source: Australian Policy Online, http://www.apo.org.au, and Intellectual Property: Knowledge, Culture and Economy, University of Queensland, http://www.ip.qut.edu.au/, both viewed 16 November 2007.)

YOUTH AFFAIRS

Queensland youth workers urged to share their knowledge with youth advocates

The Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) has called on youth workers in that state to share their frustrations and achievements with their peak body through the revamped Youth Consultative Network, a mechanism that advocates for young people and the sector. The YCN gives youth workers (through their local inter-agencies) a way to share views on "some of the more frustrating and intransigent challenges that young people face, such as searching endlessly for accommodation that doesn't exist or getting little to no support to re-engage with education". The YCN also encourages networks to share ideas. So that YANQ can make relevant government departments aware of issues raised, all issues raised through the YCN are recorded by YANQ, who then use this information in setting key priorities for research and advocacy. "The YCN today is the result of several pilot projects and much help from those in both non-government and government organisations. Over time the YCN will bring together more people, more organisations and more networks that can collectively start to address some of inequities and injustices facing young people today." For more information contact YANQ on (07) 3844 7713 / 1800 177 899, e-mail ndo[AT]yanq.org.au or visit http://www.yanq.org.au/content/view/689/47/ and http://www.yanq.org.au/ycn (Source: Youth Affairs Network of Queensland, email, November 2007.)

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Y Challenge

The Australian Red Cross is currently redeveloping its Red Cross Community Challenge program under the new name of Y Challenge, and resources are reaching the final stages of development. Y Challenge aims to get young people more engaged with their communities and to become empowered, active contributors to positive social change in their communities. The program has the following objectives:
  • to increase awareness among young people about community needs
  • through collaboration and in partnership with others;
  • to foster an understanding of the value of volunteering and
  • encourage greater youth participation in their communities;
  • to connect young people to the global red cross and red crescent
  • movement whilst promoting its principles and humanitarian values;
  • to develop leaders that encourage others to become actively
  • involved in their community as local and global citizens;
  • to develop vocational skills such as project management,
  • budgeting, organisational, public speaking, time management, team
  • building, research and decision-making;
  • to develop life skills such as analytical and lateral thinking,
  • cross-cultural awareness, team work and communication skills.
There's a 'Y Challenge Tool Kit' that provides a range of resources, such as mentor and participant manuals for both primary and secondary schoolers, skills-based modules delivered online (on volunteering, communication, conflict resolution, leadership and teamwork, and cultural awareness). The kit also includes links to curriculum areas. A trial of these new resources in schools and community groups will take place early in 2008. For more details, contact: Jane McNally, National Manager, Youth and Education Services, Australian Red Cross; ph: (03) 8327 7862; fax: (03) 8327 7961.

FINALLY ...

The December issue of this newsletter will be coming out early before everyone disappears for the long holiday season.
That time of year can be very challenging for those with mental health issues and for those concerned others around them. In this regard, it is worth noting the "take home" messages for the 'What's in your headspace?' campaign launched by headspace in September this year:
* Don't delay getting help if you think something is wrong;
* For young people, the internet is a good place to start finding help, provided you know how to get to trustworthy sites, such as headspace.org.au
* Hang in there with a friend if you think something is up, but don't take it all on yourself: help your friend to get help;
* There are places you can go to get help, including headspace centres (Source: http://www.headspace.org.au viewed 15 November 2007.)