Youth Field Xpress, May 2008
ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS
Youth Poll 2008
The results of the 16th national Youth Poll of the attitudes and opinions of 15- to 18-year-olds in Australia were released in early May. This year's poll found that while the internet plays a critical role in young people's lives (64 per cent had a social networking site such as MySpace and Facebook), 22 per cent had also experienced online bullying or harassment. Youth Poll 2008 also found that:
* 58 per cent of respondents supported same-sex marriage;
* rates of youth binge drinking, smoking and other drug use had all declined compared to previous Youth Poll surveys;
* body image was a major concern to 54 per cent of those surveyed;
* 46 per cent knew a young person who had attempted or committed suicide; and
* 72 per cent supported the Australian government's signing of the Kyoto Protocol.
YFX notes with sadness that this is the last of these annual polls. Launching the results of the 2008 Youth Poll, Senator Stott-Despoja said that over the past 16 years, the survey had provided "a wealth of information about young people's lives and opinions, to policy-makers around Australia" and she thanked all those who have taken part in the survey over the years. She also urged the federal government to "initiate an independent poll in its place, so this important youth voice is not lost". (Source: Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja, http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=6568)
* 58 per cent of respondents supported same-sex marriage;
* rates of youth binge drinking, smoking and other drug use had all declined compared to previous Youth Poll surveys;
* body image was a major concern to 54 per cent of those surveyed;
* 46 per cent knew a young person who had attempted or committed suicide; and
* 72 per cent supported the Australian government's signing of the Kyoto Protocol.
YFX notes with sadness that this is the last of these annual polls. Launching the results of the 2008 Youth Poll, Senator Stott-Despoja said that over the past 16 years, the survey had provided "a wealth of information about young people's lives and opinions, to policy-makers around Australia" and she thanked all those who have taken part in the survey over the years. She also urged the federal government to "initiate an independent poll in its place, so this important youth voice is not lost". (Source: Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja, http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=6568)
AUSTRALIA'S NEW YOUTH FIELD
Australian Office for Youth
In the 2008/2009 Budget, the federal government announced that it will provide $6.9 million over four years to establish the Australian Office for Youth. The office will identify core issues impacting on young Australians, engage with government departments, and analyse how government initiatives affect young people. It will also provide advice to government on measures that may be of benefit for young Australians. The cost of this measure will be met from within the existing resourcing of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and the office will be located within DEEWR's Youth Bureau.
Australian Youth Forum
Also in the May 2008/09 Budget, the federal government announced that it will provide $8.0 million over four years to establish a new Australian Youth Forum. The AYF will be broader in scope than the National Youth Roundtable and will provide a platform for young Australians to communicate with government on an ongoing basis, "bring[ing] together youth representatives to discuss important youth issues and improve youth services. The forum will be the primary communication channel between the government and the young people of Australia to give young Australians a strong voice in government". (Source:
http://www.budget.gov.au/2008-09/content/bp2/html/expense-09a.htm)
Consultations on the role and structure of the new Australian Youth Forum close on 30 May 2008. The consultation process seeks to allow young people, members of the youth sector and other interested parties to submit their ideas and thoughts on how this forum should be developed and operate. Find out more about contributing to the consultation process at: http://www.thesource.gov.au/involve/ayf.asp (Source: email, Renee O'Brien-Ness, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, ph: (02) 6121 5211.)
http://www.budget.gov.au/2008-09/content/bp2/html/expense-09a.htm)
Consultations on the role and structure of the new Australian Youth Forum close on 30 May 2008. The consultation process seeks to allow young people, members of the youth sector and other interested parties to submit their ideas and thoughts on how this forum should be developed and operate. Find out more about contributing to the consultation process at: http://www.thesource.gov.au/involve/ayf.asp (Source: email, Renee O'Brien-Ness, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, ph: (02) 6121 5211.)
Final National Youth Roundtable presentations
The final National Youth Roundtable presentations were held at Parliament House on Monday 17 March 2008. For Roundtable 2007, there were six project teams who worked on the following topics: youth empowerment, rural development, cultural identity, health, stronger families, and mental health:
* The mental health team produced a website and short film trailer to promote mental health issues.
* The rural development team investigated the use of a website to promote services to attract and retain young people in rural areas.
* The youth empowerment team developed recommendations for youth consultation with government.
* The cultural identity team consulted with young people to develop a set of shared Australian values and has established a multimedia project for young Australians of all cultural backgrounds.
* The stronger families, stronger youth team produced a booklet on community ownership, responsibilities and action.
* The health team developed the Youth Services Award program to recognise effective youth support and increase the quality of youth services available.
The teams presented their recommendations to federal ministers, Australian government department officials and staff members, young people and community members.
At the conclusion to the National Youth Roundtable, the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, announced the commencement of formal consultations for the new Australian Youth Forum and released the discussion paper, "The Australian Youth Forum: A new era in youth consultation". Find out more at: http://www.thesource.gov.au/involve/ayf.asp
* The mental health team produced a website and short film trailer to promote mental health issues.
* The rural development team investigated the use of a website to promote services to attract and retain young people in rural areas.
* The youth empowerment team developed recommendations for youth consultation with government.
* The cultural identity team consulted with young people to develop a set of shared Australian values and has established a multimedia project for young Australians of all cultural backgrounds.
* The stronger families, stronger youth team produced a booklet on community ownership, responsibilities and action.
* The health team developed the Youth Services Award program to recognise effective youth support and increase the quality of youth services available.
The teams presented their recommendations to federal ministers, Australian government department officials and staff members, young people and community members.
At the conclusion to the National Youth Roundtable, the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, announced the commencement of formal consultations for the new Australian Youth Forum and released the discussion paper, "The Australian Youth Forum: A new era in youth consultation". Find out more at: http://www.thesource.gov.au/involve/ayf.asp
BULLYING
Working with families
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse has released a new publication, 'Working with families concerned with school-based bullying', by Jodie Lodge (AFRC Briefing n.11, 2008). This paper examines bullying and its impact on young people's health and wellbeing, and the significance of family relationships in dealing with bullying behaviour. "Family relationships practitioners can play an important part in managing bullying concerns with affected families by offering a collaborative approach to the school-based bullying problem" and the strategies discussed in this paper offer helpful information about making referrals to appropriate resources, and about guiding families through the process of working together with the school to address bullying. See: http://www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/pubs/briefing/briefing11.html (Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies 'e-News', 7 May 2008.)
Cyber bullying can be stopped
The information service provider Unisys says cyber bullying can be stopped, and in a May media release, points to its managed a solution for New South Wales Department of Education and Training. DET's duty of care policy requires stringent protection of students, and the Unisys solution adopted provides secure internet and email access to more than 1.3 million students, teachers and education administrators in 2,500 sites across the state. Along with email and internet, Unisys provides the DET with a "collaboration portal" with services that include chat and forums, but provides a corporate filter and 15 individual levels of protection based on the age group for each school year. For more on their approach to cyber bullying, see the address on the security and privacy issues surrounding social networking sites given by Unysis vice-president and general manager for Unisys Asia Pacific, Andrew Barkla, at: http://au.youtube.com/user/UnisysAustralia
CARERS
Parliamentary inquiry into better support for carers
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth has announced a parliamentary inquiry to investigate how carers can be better supported in their vital role. Individuals and groups interested in making a submission are encouraged to go to the Parliament of Australia website for further information: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fchy/carers/index.htm
CRIME AND JUSTICE
'New Scientist' investigates teenagers and crime
A feature article published in 'New Scientist' magazine in April this year looks at the issue of young people and crime, and outlines research projects conducted in a number of countries in recent years in which adolescent antisocial behaviour is linked with changes to the brain caused by a combination of biological factors (including genetics, birth complications and poor nutrition) and social factors (including poor parenting, poverty and abuse) experienced during childhood. The article highlights the importance of early intervention, particularly improved parenting, in the prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime among teenagers (Source: 'New Scientist', n.2651, 12 April 2008, pp.38-41.)
Justice and You survey
The Victorian Department of Justice's Victims Support Agency is currently running a survey in order to gain a better understanding of what it can do to help young people who become victims of crime. The Justice and You survey asks young people who they would turn to and what type of support they would seek out if they became a victim of crime. The anonymous, online survey takes around five to 10 minutes to complete and is open to all young people aged 16-24 years, whether or not they have been victims of crime in the past. The survey closes on Friday 30 May. To complete the Justice and You survey, visit the Victorian Government's youthcentral website: http://tinyurl.com/6bwqaj (Source: Government of Victoria, youthcentral website, viewed 15 May 2008, http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au )
Effective strategies in working with young offenders
The Australian Institute of Criminology has recently released a one-page fact sheet on this topic in its 'AIC Crime Reduction Matters' series (n. 67, April 2008). 'Effective strategies in working with young offenders' highlights a number of key elements that research has identified as being important for effective service provision. See:
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/crm/crm067.html
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/crm/crm067.html
DEVELOPMENT
Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study
The March 2008 edition of 'Education Review' contains a feature article (originally published in the January 2008 edition of the 'New Zealand Listener') on the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a longitudinal study that has been going for 35 years. The study has tracked the development of 1,037 children born at Dunedin's Queen Mary obstetric hospital in 1972-1973, with assessments at age three, five, seven, nine, 11, 15, 18, 21, 26 and 32. Amazingly, 96 per cent of the 1,014 members of the original cohort who were still alive at age 32 took part in the most recent assessment. Over the years, the study has provided rich findings on human development, particularly relating to the influence of genetic and childhood environmental factors on behaviour in later life (particularly criminal behaviour, as documented in the 'New Scientist' article mentioned in the 'Crime' section above). Current study director Richard Poulton says that the findings from this study provide a compelling argument for the establishment of behavioural health clinics in all schools as a means of early intervention. (Source: 'Education Review', v.18, n.2, 2008, pp.4-5, 14.)
DISABILITIES
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
A UN convention aimed at ensuring equal rights for the world's 650 million disabled people in work, education and social life went into force in early May. The pact, the first of its kind and billed by the UN as the first new human rights treaty of the 21st century, took effect 30 days after being ratified by 20 countries that have signed it. That figure has since risen to 25, but does not include the US and Russia. The 32-page UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities outlaws all forms of discrimination at work on the basis of disability, including in hiring, promotion and working conditions. It requires equal pay for work of equal value. It also calls on signatory states to promote the employment of disabled people, including through "affirmative action" programs that favour them. The pact stipulates the disabled may not be excluded from mainstream education systems. It demands that governments provide them with physical access to transportation, schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces. (Source: SBS News, 4 May 2008, http://tinyurl.com/6eqqgg) The treaty itself is at: http://untreaty.un.org/English/notpubl/IV_15_english.pdf
DISCRIMINATION
StepOne community harmony guide for local government
StepOne is a website aimed at giving local councils and communities the tools to tackle racism, strengthen community cohesion and foster intercultural interaction in your neighbourhood. The site gives provides guidance and practical resources for councils and community groups that are interested in implementing community harmony initiatives in their local areas. For example, the site has downloadable 'best practice' case studies covering a range of communities and issues, such as reducing racism, intolerance and negative stereotypes, and provides a community harmony guide for local government. The organisation is based at the Centre for Research on Social Inclusion at Macquarie University. See:
http://www.stepone.org.au/about-stepone.aspx (Source: 'cmyi e-news', April 2008, http://www.cmyi.net.au/CMYIeNews#newatCMYI; viewed 19 May 2008.)
http://www.stepone.org.au/about-stepone.aspx (Source: 'cmyi e-news', April 2008, http://www.cmyi.net.au/CMYIeNews#newatCMYI; viewed 19 May 2008.)
'Racism makes me sick'
This is an Indigenous health rights campaign developed by ANTaR in response to calls for urgent action to address the crisis in Indigenous health. In a number of key reports, racism has been recognised as a threat to public health in Australia, and a range of health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, depression, anxiety, low birth rate and premature birth, can be attributed to a person's experience of racism. See: http://www.antar.org.au/content/blogcategory/111/326/, viewed 19 May 2008. (Source: 'Auseinet Newsletter', 1 May 2008, http://www.auseinet.com/links/index.php?b=1#item701)
DRUGS
Social Norms Analysis Project
The Social Norms Analysis Project (or SNAP), a project on youth drinking, is nearing completion. The project, funded by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, is being conducted by the University of Tasmania and a range of project partners. Unlike health promotion approaches that focus on the negative social and health consequences of alcohol consumption, SNAP examines the ways in which young people are influenced by their perceptions of what their peers -- and particularly their friends -- think and do. Based on the Social Norms model developed in the USA, SNAP has a strong evidence-base and uses relevant local data. SNAP helps young people to question and discuss their assumptions about alcohol use. Most importantly, SNAP works by encouraging healthy choices rather than by discouraging unhealthy ones. For further information about SNAP, contact Dr Clarissa Hughes at the University of Tasmania, email: tiles[AT]utas.edu.au (Source: email, 1 May 2008).
Note: for more on this project, look out for a feature article titled, 'Harnessing the power of perception: Reducing alcohol-related harm among rural teenagers', to be published in the June edition of 'Youth Studies Australia' (v.27, n.2).
Note: for more on this project, look out for a feature article titled, 'Harnessing the power of perception: Reducing alcohol-related harm among rural teenagers', to be published in the June edition of 'Youth Studies Australia' (v.27, n.2).
Drugs and driving in Australia report
The Australian Drug Foundation, in partnership with Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, with funding from AAMI has recently completed a study into drugs and driving in Australia. The report on this research, 'Drugs and driving in Australia: A survey of community attitudes, experience and understanding' was recently launched at the State Library of Victoria. Copies of the report can be downloaded at http://www.drugsdriving.adf.org.au or they can be obtained by contacting Druginfo, ph: 1300 85 85 84, or email: druginfo[AT]adf.org.au
New parenting and alcohol resources
The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) and the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) have recently developed eight fact sheets that support parents to protect children from harms associated with alcohol use. The fact sheets are:
* Alcohol and adolescent development
* Alcohol, teenage parties and the law
* Standard drinks and low-risk drinking
* Fact or myth? (on the misconceptions held by parents and teenagers about alcohol)
* Medicines and alcohol: A dangerous mix
* Which parental factors influence young people's choices about alcohol?
* Teenage drinking: Parents' communication style can make a difference
* Teenage drinking: Communicating with other parents and families
More at: http://www.adf.org.au
* Alcohol and adolescent development
* Alcohol, teenage parties and the law
* Standard drinks and low-risk drinking
* Fact or myth? (on the misconceptions held by parents and teenagers about alcohol)
* Medicines and alcohol: A dangerous mix
* Which parental factors influence young people's choices about alcohol?
* Teenage drinking: Parents' communication style can make a difference
* Teenage drinking: Communicating with other parents and families
More at: http://www.adf.org.au
2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: first results
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released this new report in late April 2008. '2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: first results' presents summary data collected in a survey that has become Australia's most comprehensive national survey of drug use and related issues. The report, the 20th in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's Drug Statistics Series, presents comparisons with previous surveys, along with population estimates of the numbers of consumers of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. The report contains key results on drug-related awareness, knowledge and behaviour. Future reports in the series will cover extended analysis of the 2007 results and a comprehensive summary of major drug use statistical collections. This report and others in the series are useful resources for policy-makers, researchers and professionals interested in drug-related issues. Details: AIHW catalogue n. PHE 98, available from the Department of Health and Ageing, ph: 1800 020103 x 8654; fax: (02) 6289 8360; email: nmm[AT]nationalmailing.com.au For the report, see: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10579; for the media release, see: http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2008/mr20080427.cfm
EDUCATION
School retention: Do schools matter for early school leaving?
A national study, published recently in the international education journal 'School Effectiveness and School Improvement', puts the spotlight on the past 10 years of policy effort to lift low school-retention rates -- efforts that had focused on expanding education for the trades and vocational education sector at the senior secondary level. However this study's author says that approach needs questioning, because schools are not having a big effect in improving the figures for students who complete Year 12. "Despite substantial increases in participation in vocational education in schools and other policy initiatives, school retention has increased only marginally by about three percentage points since the mid-1990s". About 75 per cent of Australia's students complete their secondary school studies, and this figure is below that of many European countries. The study, by Dr Gary Marks, a senior research fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research, is the latest and most comprehensive examination of the factors that influence when a student leaves school. It analysed interviews with 8,905 students aged 17 and 18 in 2005 who had sat Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests in reading, maths and science when they were 15. The students came from 315 schools in both the government and independent sectors. The study's findings reveal a student's academic performance is by far the most important influence on whether or not he or she leaves school before completing Year 12. Academic performance is four times more important than the next most influential factor (a student's socioeconomic background). See: Marks, Gary N. (2007) Do schools matter for early school leaving? Individual and school influences in Australia', 'School Effectiveness and School Improvement', 18:4, 429-450. Also see the Australian Council for Educational Research newsletter, April 2008 edition: 'ACER eNews' (n.64; http://www.acer.edu.au/enews/0804_marks.html, viewed 19 May 2008). (Source: 'The Age', 10 May 2008, http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/the-big-trade-off/2008/05/10/1210131279866.html; cited in 'Australian Education Digest', email newsletter of the Australian Council of State School Organisations (v.2, n.14, 13 May 2008).
South Australia's Social Inclusion Initiative: School retention
Making the Connections is the name of the South Australian Government's $28.4 million, four-year School Retention Action Plan (SRAP). Over 14,000 young people have been involved in SRAP programs since the development of the plan in late 2003. The Social Inclusion Initiative: School Retention website contains a wealth of information and resources relating to the plan and its associated programs and publications, including the practical guides 'Successful partnerships: A brief guide' and 'Supporting young people's success: Forging the links'. The site also includes the 'Better futures' and 'Joined-up' film clip series, in which young people and practitioners talk about their SRAP experiences. The website also contains information about the four Innovative Community Action Networks or ICANs that were established as part of the SRAP. These networks are involved in finding local solutions to keep young people in school, study or training. For further information, contact Dr Jan Patterson, Social Inclusion Unit, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, South Australia, ph: (08) 8226 2292; fax: (08) 8226 0560; email: Patterson.Jan[AT]dpc.sa.gov.au (Source: Social Inclusion Initiative: School Retention website, viewed 15 May 2008, http://www.socialinclusion.sa.gov.au/page.php?id=31)
Connecting schools and communities: Exploring the use of schools and community facilities for creative community outcomes
This is the title of a one-day conference happening in June in three Victorian regions (Colac, Wodonga and Melbourne). It is being organised by the Cultural Development Network. The event "seeks to explore the use of schools and community facilities for creative community outcomes" and will feature presentations about model projects -- local, national and international initiatives -- that have resulted in more effective partnerships, more creative community activity and improved local cultural development. More at:
http://www.creative.org.au/events/detail.chtml?filename_num=203230
http://www.creative.org.au/events/detail.chtml?filename_num=203230
EMPLOYMENT
NCVER: Training is important for welfare to work
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is a not-for-profit company owned by the federal, state and territory ministers responsible for training. New research from NCVER shows that the journey from welfare to work is difficult for many and often requires more than a willing worker. The studies show that many long-term welfare recipients need basic educational skills before they can embark on more job-oriented training and finally move on to paid work:
'The role of vocational education and training in welfare to work' by John Guenther et al, focused on what makes training programs effective for people moving from welfare to work. The report shows that among the challenges faced by jobless people and vocational education and training institutions are the personal circumstances of the jobless themselves. To overcome these barriers, the report calls for the VET and welfare systems to be flexible in dealing with jobless participants' problems with such as transport, child care and ill health. NCVER reminds us all: 'The vocational education and training (VET) sector is the one education sector ideally placed to assist welfare recipients into work'. In their report, 'Complex not simple: The vocational education and training pathway from welfare to work' -- a study by Kate Barnett and John Spoehr -- research also finds that issues such as lack of transport or child care services formed barriers to jobless people in training. Both studies show that jobless students need adequate pastoral care and support services while undertaking vocational training as part of their move towards paid work. These reports can be downloaded from:
http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/mr/2008/2008apr30.html
'The role of vocational education and training in welfare to work' by John Guenther et al, focused on what makes training programs effective for people moving from welfare to work. The report shows that among the challenges faced by jobless people and vocational education and training institutions are the personal circumstances of the jobless themselves. To overcome these barriers, the report calls for the VET and welfare systems to be flexible in dealing with jobless participants' problems with such as transport, child care and ill health. NCVER reminds us all: 'The vocational education and training (VET) sector is the one education sector ideally placed to assist welfare recipients into work'. In their report, 'Complex not simple: The vocational education and training pathway from welfare to work' -- a study by Kate Barnett and John Spoehr -- research also finds that issues such as lack of transport or child care services formed barriers to jobless people in training. Both studies show that jobless students need adequate pastoral care and support services while undertaking vocational training as part of their move towards paid work. These reports can be downloaded from:
http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/mr/2008/2008apr30.html
New fact sheet for young workers: 'Don't get ripped off!'
In April, federal Workplace Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson launched a new fact sheet to inform young people about their workplace rights. The fact sheet, 'Don't get ripped off!' covers topics such as workplace agreements, correct rates of pay, holiday entitlements and tips on what to expect when finishing up with an employer. To download the fact sheet, visit the Workplace Ombudsman's website: http://www.wo.gov.au/asp/index.asp?sid=7407&page=fact-sheets-view&cid=5371&id=763 (Source: Australian Government Workplace Ombudsman, media release, 4 April, viewed 16 May 2008.)
Foreign students gain automatic work rights in Australia
International students will be eligible to work part-time in Australia automatically under new, streamlined visa arrangements introduced in April, according to the Minister for Immigration Senator Chris Evans. Previously, international students had to apply separately for permission to work. The new arrangements will cut overall student visa fees by $40, with applicants now to be charged $450 for the one visa with work permission attached. Senator Evans said streamlined processes for people applying for student visas from India, Indonesia and Thailand have also been introduced. For further information, visit: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/whats_new.htm (Source: Senator Chris Evans, media release, 25 April 2008, viewed 16 May 2008.)
ETHNIC, MIGRANT AND REFUGEE YOUTH
The Making Connections project
This Victorian project is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and will involve a diverse group of young people, initially those young African Australians living in Melbourne's south east. The project aims to improve community relations by providing newcomers and existing residents with opportunities for making connections with each other, in order to prevent problems arising in a community, such as those caused by isolation, fear and misinformation. One of the program's activities focuses on building better relations between the young people and older residents, and uses community groups, for example the University of the Third Age, as a way to promote inclusion. Another set of activities gets new and established groups of young people together to collaborate on staging musical events, and a third part of the project will be devoted to addressing the health issues of newly arrived young women. Launching the Making Connections project, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said that project funding of $129,822 would help each organisation to conduct a range of activities in Greater Dandenong and Casey: "Greater Dandenong alone is home to people who have come from some 150 nations, and more than half of the population was born overseas. In recent years, people from Africa, Afghanistan and Burma have added to this diversity, and many of them are young people". The Making Connections project is a joint project of the Adult Multicultural Education Services, the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues and the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre. For more information, contact Khaldoun Hajaj, ph: (02) 6277 4920. (Source: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08035.htm; viewed 13 May 2007.)
FAMILIES AND RELATIONSHIPS
Recent briefings from the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse has recently published the two papers as part of its AFRCC Briefing series: 'Effective regional, rural and remote family and relationships service delivery' by Dr Louise Roufeil and Dr Kristine Battye (AFRC Briefing n.10, 2008) and 'Working with families concerned with school-based bullying' by Dr Jodie Lodge (described above under the 'Bullying' heading). AFRC Briefings are available for download from the AFRC website: http://www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/pubs/pubs.html#brief (Source: AFRC website, viewed 16 May 2008.)
FUNDING, SCHOLARSHIPS, OPPORTUNITIES
Awards for young leaders
Applications for this opportunity from the Foundation for Young Australians close on 6 June 2008. The Merlyn Myer Leadership Awards promote the pursuit of leadership and recognise young people as role models in their community. The awards help to support Year 11 Victorian students, particularly those from low income families, in pursuing their education. Eight leadership Awards of $2,000 and eight role model awards of $500 will be offered to young people who demonstrate leadership attributes. More at the FYA website, http://www.youngaustralians.org/fund/ya_Merlyn_Myer.asp
HEALTH
Ride2School's 500km Gold Medal Challenge
As part of its Ride2School initiative, Bicycle Victoria is holding a 500km Gold Medal Challenge for secondary school students in the state. The aim of the free event is to increase the number of students who ride their bikes regularly and to increase the frequency with which they ride. Participating students receive a log book in which they record the distance they accumulate over the challenge period, with the aim of reaching 500km. Registrations for the event will be open until 19 November, with the event itself concluding on 12 December. For further information, visit the Ride2School website: http://www.ride2school.com.au (Source: Kinect Australia's 'Active Media Bulletin', May 2008, viewed 12 May 2008,
http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/hav/articles.nsf/pages/Active_Media?OpenDocument )
http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/hav/articles.nsf/pages/Active_Media?OpenDocument )
Lower BMI for breakfast eaters
An American study has found that teenagers who eat breakfast tend to have a lower body mass index than those who skip breakfast, despite the fact that study participants who ate breakfast had a higher overall daily calorie intake than those who did not. An article outlining the findings from this study was published in March in British newspaper 'The Independent': http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/eating-breakfast-helps-teens-lose-weight-says-us-study-791338.html (Source: Kinect Australia's 'Active Media Bulletin', May 2008, viewed 12 May 2008, http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/hav/articles.nsf/pages/Active_Media?OpenDocument )
International Association for Adolescent Health
The next IAAH 9th World Congress has been announced. It will take place on 28 to 30 October in 2009, in Kuala Lumpa, Malaysia. For details as they are published, keep an eye on: http://www.iaah.org/main/meetings/
The health and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2008
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released this new report in late April. It provides a comprehensive overview of the health and welfare of Australia's Indigenous population, presenting the latest information on population demographics, housing circumstances, disability and carers, health status, and the provision, access and use of health and community services. It also explores some of the links between education and health and between selected risk factors and health. Details: AIHW catalogue n. IHW 21, available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, ph: 1300 135 070; fax: 1300 135 211; email: client services[AT]abs.gov.au. For the media release, see: http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2008/mr20080429.cfm, and for the report, see: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10583
HISTORY
The National History Challenge promotes the study of Australian history in schools and was established in 1995. Students wishing to take part in the challenge are now able to register online and entries will close August 2008. For more information about the Challenge and how to enter the competition, visit: http://www.historychallenge.com.au/ (Source: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, http://tinyurl.com/54p5y8.)
HOMELESSNESS
Private rental assistance for homeless young people
The Private Rental Brokerage (PRB) program is part of the Creating Connections Initiative in the north and west of metropolitan Melbourne. The PRB program aims to assist case workers working with homeless young people (18 to 25 years) to obtain private rental accommodation. The program is an initiative of St Vincent De Paul and the program partners are Berry Street, Crossroads: Salvation Army, Melton Housing, MetroWest Housing Services, Sunshine Youth Housing and Women's Housing Limited. This is done by providing brokerage funds to help a young person make the transition into a private tenancy. Brokerage packages of up to $2,000 can be applied for to provide a budgeting incentive, tenancy set up costs and property enhancement costs. The program also provides young tenants with information on the private rental market and how to successfully seek private rental accommodation. This is done to help improve the chances of a young person successfully obtaining private rental. For details, ph: (03) 9321 2912, email: james.donelly[AT]svdp-vic.org.au, http://www.vinnies.org.au/prb
Anglicare Tasmania seeks volunteers for its PASS program (Placement and Support Service)
University communities will be interested to know of Anglicare's PASS program (Placement and Support Service). PASS provides community placements for young people aged 13 to 16 who are homeless. This involves placing young people with carers in their own homes. Placements can range from emergency to long-term. Support is provided to both the young person and the carer. PASS is currently seeking volunteers to help either by participating in their mentorship program or by providing young people with a place to stay. For more information, contact Natalie Wright, Youth and Family Support Worker, Anglicare Tasmania Inc., ph: (03) 6213 3510; fax: (03) 6213 3550; email: n.wright[AT]anglicare-tas.org.au Website: http://tinyurl.com/6ekq33 (which takes you to the program description on the Linkzone website, http://www.linkzone.tas.gov.au/) viewed 19 May 2008. (Source: email, Natalie Wright, n.wright[AT]anglicare-tas.org.au; Linkzone, http://www.linkzone.tas.gov.au/)
INDIGENOUS YOUTH
Vibe 3on3 events
The 2008 National Indigenous 3on3 Basketball and Hip Hop Challenge, otherwise known as the Vibe 3on3 is currently making its way around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. So far this year, events have been held in Taree and Liverpool in NSW and Murray Bridge in SA, with events in Gladstone and Cairns in Queensland scheduled for late May and late June respectively. The Vibe 3on3 is a two-day Indigenous youth festival that promotes sport, music and health. For further information, visit the website: http://www.vibe.com.au/3on3.asp?pageID=5 (Source: Vibe website, viewed 16 May 2008.)
INDIGENOUS YOUTH
'Closing the Gap' between the health and life expectancy of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: statement of intent
On 20 March 2008, the federal government and Indigenous health leaders signed a Statement of Intent at Parliament House to work together to achieve equality in health status and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030. This declaration is seen as critical to eliminating the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The Statement for Intent at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/health/statement_intent.html
The Statement for Intent at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/health/statement_intent.html
'Closing the Gap': Budget 2008-2009
In the federal budget announced on 13 May 2008, there were many initiatives announced as measures towards closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians:
Family support: The government will provide $9.8 million in 2008-09 as part of a family support package for the Northern Territory (to support the operation of safe houses established in 15 communities and provide support for a mobile child protection team and Indigenous family and community workers to operate in remote areas with high needs). Also see * below.
Education: One of the measures involves helping Indigenous youth from remote communities to obtain a secondary school education through spending $28.9 million over four years on building and operating three new boarding colleges for Indigenous secondary school students in years 8 to 12 in the Northern Territory.
Another educational measure is the provision of $19.1 million in 2008-09 as part of an enhanced education package for the Northern Territory. The funding will provide professional development for teachers to enable them to deliver proven, evidence-based methods of teaching literacy and numeracy to Indigenous students. It will help them gain professional qualifications, such as English as a second language. Funding will also be provided for up to six additional classrooms to meet demand as school attendance measures increase enrolments. Also see * below.
School nutrition received $7.4m/1 year. This funding is part of an education package for the Northern Territory and aims to improve school attendance, student performance and health by delivering nutritious breakfast and lunch in schools.
Indigenous drug and alcohol services received $49.3m/4 years to expand drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services for Indigenous Australians, especially in remote areas. This will include the construction or expansion of residential rehabilitation facilities, increased staff and staff accommodation, and the establishment of community-based multidisciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive approach to countering substance abuse in Indigenous communities.
Youth alcohol diversion: $9.5 million will be provided in 2008-09 to support activities which are an alternative to drinking and other substance abuse, such as participation in sport. This measure will enable the establishment and operation of a Northern Territory Regional Youth Development Network, in order to improve the quality, quantity and coordination of diversionary activities. This measure will also enable continuation of the Alice Springs Town Camp Youth Diversion Project and the Central Australia School Holiday Program. Also see * below.
* Ongoing funding requirements for the Northern Territory Emergency Response will be reviewed prior to the 2009-10 Budget and will be based on the evaluation. Provision has also been made in the Contingency Reserve for ongoing costs associated with the Emergency Response. (Source: http://www.budget.gov.au/2008-09/)
Family support: The government will provide $9.8 million in 2008-09 as part of a family support package for the Northern Territory (to support the operation of safe houses established in 15 communities and provide support for a mobile child protection team and Indigenous family and community workers to operate in remote areas with high needs). Also see * below.
Education: One of the measures involves helping Indigenous youth from remote communities to obtain a secondary school education through spending $28.9 million over four years on building and operating three new boarding colleges for Indigenous secondary school students in years 8 to 12 in the Northern Territory.
Another educational measure is the provision of $19.1 million in 2008-09 as part of an enhanced education package for the Northern Territory. The funding will provide professional development for teachers to enable them to deliver proven, evidence-based methods of teaching literacy and numeracy to Indigenous students. It will help them gain professional qualifications, such as English as a second language. Funding will also be provided for up to six additional classrooms to meet demand as school attendance measures increase enrolments. Also see * below.
School nutrition received $7.4m/1 year. This funding is part of an education package for the Northern Territory and aims to improve school attendance, student performance and health by delivering nutritious breakfast and lunch in schools.
Indigenous drug and alcohol services received $49.3m/4 years to expand drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services for Indigenous Australians, especially in remote areas. This will include the construction or expansion of residential rehabilitation facilities, increased staff and staff accommodation, and the establishment of community-based multidisciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive approach to countering substance abuse in Indigenous communities.
Youth alcohol diversion: $9.5 million will be provided in 2008-09 to support activities which are an alternative to drinking and other substance abuse, such as participation in sport. This measure will enable the establishment and operation of a Northern Territory Regional Youth Development Network, in order to improve the quality, quantity and coordination of diversionary activities. This measure will also enable continuation of the Alice Springs Town Camp Youth Diversion Project and the Central Australia School Holiday Program. Also see * below.
* Ongoing funding requirements for the Northern Territory Emergency Response will be reviewed prior to the 2009-10 Budget and will be based on the evaluation. Provision has also been made in the Contingency Reserve for ongoing costs associated with the Emergency Response. (Source: http://www.budget.gov.au/2008-09/)
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre (IRC): Children's perspectives on economic adversity: A review of the literature, by Gerry Redmond (Discussion Papers IDP n.2008-01, March 2008)
This work reviews some of the recent qualitative literature on children's perspectives on economic disadvantage. The literature review covers issues related to economic disadvantage, including exclusion from activities and peer groups at school and in the community; perceptions of 'poor' and 'affluent' children; participation in organised activities outside of school hours; methods of coping with financial hardship; support for parents in coping and in seeking and keeping employment, and aspirations for future careers and lives. The analysis is organised under two themes: social exclusion and agency. Both are important from a child's perspective.
The idea of asking children about their own perceptions of economic and social disadvantage is part of an increasing movement in the youth field to involve young people directly in research on issues that matter to them. The nine studies in this work "develop frameworks based on the 'new sociology of childhood', which emphasises the social construction of childhood and children's agency in the context of child-adult relations".
The review shows how economic disadvantage can lead to exclusion in a number of critical areas (schooling, access to out of school activities, and interaction with peers) and how it can also be used by children themselves creatively to reduce the impact of economic adversity on themselves and their families. However, it also shows how disadvantage leads to children lowering their aspirations, excluding themselves from activities, or engaging in activities that attract social disapproval. The research examined here shows that what concerns children is not lack of resources per se, but exclusion from activities that other children appear to take for granted, and embarrassment and shame at not being able to participate on equal terms with other children. The research also shows the extent to which children's agency matters, first for themselves, to make sense of their situation and to interpret it positively or otherwise; second, for their parents and families, to help them cope with financial and other pressures through engaging in domestic work and caring, not making demands on parents, and protecting them from further pressure where they are able; and third, for policy: initiatives to reduce children's exclusion must take account of children's own perspectives on their situation.
The review ends with a discussion of the ethical and practical challenges associated with conducting research with children, and with a summary of issues that still remain under-researched. More at: http://www.unicef-irc.org/cgi-bin/unicef/Lunga.sql?ProductID=497 The literature review is available online as a 23-page PDF at:
http://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/idp_2008_01.pdf (Source: email from: Serdar M. Degirmencioglu, s_degirmencioglu[AT]yahoo.com, to the discussion list, ESA-YOUTH, 23 April 2008, citing the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) website: http://www.paho.org/
The idea of asking children about their own perceptions of economic and social disadvantage is part of an increasing movement in the youth field to involve young people directly in research on issues that matter to them. The nine studies in this work "develop frameworks based on the 'new sociology of childhood', which emphasises the social construction of childhood and children's agency in the context of child-adult relations".
The review shows how economic disadvantage can lead to exclusion in a number of critical areas (schooling, access to out of school activities, and interaction with peers) and how it can also be used by children themselves creatively to reduce the impact of economic adversity on themselves and their families. However, it also shows how disadvantage leads to children lowering their aspirations, excluding themselves from activities, or engaging in activities that attract social disapproval. The research examined here shows that what concerns children is not lack of resources per se, but exclusion from activities that other children appear to take for granted, and embarrassment and shame at not being able to participate on equal terms with other children. The research also shows the extent to which children's agency matters, first for themselves, to make sense of their situation and to interpret it positively or otherwise; second, for their parents and families, to help them cope with financial and other pressures through engaging in domestic work and caring, not making demands on parents, and protecting them from further pressure where they are able; and third, for policy: initiatives to reduce children's exclusion must take account of children's own perspectives on their situation.
The review ends with a discussion of the ethical and practical challenges associated with conducting research with children, and with a summary of issues that still remain under-researched. More at: http://www.unicef-irc.org/cgi-bin/unicef/Lunga.sql?ProductID=497 The literature review is available online as a 23-page PDF at:
http://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/idp_2008_01.pdf (Source: email from: Serdar M. Degirmencioglu, s_degirmencioglu[AT]yahoo.com, to the discussion list, ESA-YOUTH, 23 April 2008, citing the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) website: http://www.paho.org/
Involve 08: Relate: A conference about young people and quality relationships
This conference, to be held on 2-4 July 2008 in Wellington New Zealand, is being organised by the New Zealand Association for Adolescent Health and Development, in partnership with National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa, with the support of the Ministry of Youth Development and Wellington City Council. The conference will bring together over 500 people who work with young people: youth workers, policy analysts, peer support workers, health workers, professionals, young people, counsellors, and more. More at: http://www.involve.org.nz
LEGAL ISSUES
The winner of this year's University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor's Equity and Diversity Awards -- part of UQ's Diversity Week -- was announced in May 2008. The $10,000 award was presented to a group led by TC Beirne School of Law lecturers Paul O'Shea and Dr Tamara Walsh. The group coordinates a course that helps undergraduate students to better understand how the legal system affects homeless and other disadvantaged people. In three years, the project, which is run in collaboration with the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, is estimated to have helped save $50,000 in fees and to have assisted 400 clients. See: http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=14668 (Source: UQ Communications, Cameron Pegg, ph: (07) 3365 2049, email; c.pegg[AT]uq.edu.au)
MEDIA
Media Makers Weekend Workshops
Vibewire Youth Services is a non-profit, volunteer-based youth organisation, dedicated to providing increased opportunities for Australia's youth to express themselves. One of its activities is to provide training and support for young artists, thinkers and social entrepreneurs, which it does through its sQuareOne Incubator initiative, the Interface mentorship program, the media makers fund and its series of workshop programs. sQuareOne's Media Makers Workshops are on again this year, and includes workshops on public relations, freelance writing and blogging, making zines, and website design. sQuareOne is supported by the City of Sydney, the Foundation for Young Australians, the Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Horizon Foundation. More at: http://www.vibewire.org/
MENTAL HEALTH
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health
The current edition of the 'Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health' (v.7, n.1, March 2008) is a special issue on the topic of emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents. Prof. Lyn Littlefield, executive director of the Australian Psychological Society, acted as guest editor for the edition, and also co-authored the paper 'Evaluation of Parents and Adolescents Communicating Together (PACT): A conflict resolution program' with Michelle Soltys. The journal is available online at: http://www.auseinet.com/journal/vol7iss1/index.php (Source: 'Auseinetter', March 2008, p.13.)
Responding to self harm in schools
This two-day workshop for school welfare and health and counselling staff is taking place in Melbourne on 11-12 June 2008 and has been organised by ORYGEN Youth Health in Parkville. "Deliberate self-harm is prevalent among young people and evidence exists to suggest that rates are increasing. With this in mind, it is important that schools know how they can minimise the risk of self harm and suicidal behaviour. This workshop explores the purpose and meaning of self harm, and how schools can respond to meet the needs of students, families and the whole school community." For more details, contact ORYGEN Youth Health's Nazan Yuksel, ph: (03) 9342 3744; email: training[AT]orygen.org.au
Self-harm in the UK
In the UK, depression has been blamed for an "epidemic" of self-harm episodes, according to the UK online magazine, 'Children & Young People Now' (25 April 2008). A British survey of over 800 young people found that 22 per cent of males and females aged 11 to 19 had self-harmed, while 56 per cent said they know someone who had. The study, commissioned by mental healthcare specialists Affinity Healthcare, found nearly half the self-harmers blamed depression for their actions. More at: http://tinyurl.com/5y2kue
As noted in some of this month's youth peak newsletters, there is a new useful booklet on the problem, 'About self-harm: A guide for young people' issued by the UK-based mental health charity, Mind. The booklet is available online at: http://tinyurl.com/4eh26t
As noted in some of this month's youth peak newsletters, there is a new useful booklet on the problem, 'About self-harm: A guide for young people' issued by the UK-based mental health charity, Mind. The booklet is available online at: http://tinyurl.com/4eh26t
MENTORING
Research on the partnerships youth mentoring organisations form with other youth service providers
The Youth Mentoring Network, in conjunction with the University of Western Sydney, is conducting research to learn more about the partnerships youth mentoring organisations form with other youth service providers. "Many youth mentoring organisations are receiving funding grants which require them to form partnerships with other community organisations. We want to know how they developed these relationships, what resources did they use and what resources are still needed. At the conclusion of our research, we hope to have examples of best practice models that all mentoring programs are then able to use." The Youth Mentoring Network is conducting several focus groups in various states from May to July 2008 and would like stakeholders to be part these focus groups and contribute to their research. To participate in the focus groups, send an email to: info[AT]youthmentoring.org.au
MOVEMENTS, CHANGES, MILESTONES
School Aid, an Australia-based non-profit organisation, is launching a new website and online student-led philanthropy program. The website builds on School Aid's past achievements in enabling Australian school students to help other children in need around the world, particularly in countries where their education and learning has been compromised. The School Aid site provides students with opportunities for connecting with others by becoming connected with a national online network of schools involved in student-led giving, and through accessing a continuous program of activities, engagement events and resources. Theses provide tangible ways for schools to connect and share their ideas with each other. For more details, contact the National Program Manager, Daniel Bolotin, email: daniel[AT]schoolaid.org.au or see: http://www.schoolaid.org.au
PARENTING
Reach Parents Programs: Workshops for parents of teenagers
The Reach Parents Program, developed in partnership with the Centre for Adolescent Health, provides "relevant insights into the world of your teenagers and skills to improve your relationship with them". The three-part workshop series, facilitated by Reach co-founder Jim Stynes, the Reach youth support team and the Reach crew of young leaders, covers topics including what's important to teenagers today, understanding Generation Y, and how to help build a positive family dynamic. Contact: Jane Murphy, ph: (03) 9412 0900; email: programs[AT]reach.org.au or see: http://www.reach.org.au/
UK site on the law and parents
In the UK, a public interest website for parents, LawAndParents, has been launched as 'a unique reference point' on the law, parental rights and the responsibilites of parents. "The extent to which we can be held responsible for our children's behaviour can be a murky area ... Our concern was that there was no single UK resource for interesting features and practical advice on this subject." The site's articles are written by professional journalists and subject experts. Contact: Jane Marshall, Features Editor, LawAndParents, Daresbury Point, Green Wood Drive, Manor Park, Cheshire, WA7 1UP United Kingdom. See: http://www.lawandparents.co.uk/home.htm
PARTICIPATION
South Australia's Youth Parliament is managed by the YMCA of South Australia, and provides a unique forum for young people aged 16-25 to express their views and concerns in a safe and supportive environment, develop skills and learn about our parliamentary system. Over the past 13 years, the program has educated more than 1,000 young people about the SA Parliamentary system, voting procedures, parliamentary etiquette, public speaking and bill writing in a professional and challenging environment. Applications to take part in the parliament are now open, and close at 5.00 pm Friday 30 May 2008. Applications are encouraged from individuals as well of teams of up to 8 young people. You may also wish to nominate a team from within your institution/organisation. For further information, contact Mark at: info[AT]ypsa.org.au
POLICY
Parliamentary inquiry into children and young people
In March, the NSW Parliament's Parliamentary Committee on Children and Young People announced that it would be conducting an inquiry into the needs of children and young people aged nine to 14 years in NSW. The bipartisan committee is particularly interested in investigating the activities and services that best allow children in these middle years to develop the resilience to take them successfully through adolescence and into adulthood. While public submissions to the inquiry closed on 5 May, public hearings are scheduled for June and July. For further information, contact Jo Alley, Senior Committee Officer, ph: (02) 9230 2363; email: childrenscommittee[AT]parliament.nsw.gov.au; website: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/55DF76BE425E4E67CA2574030016FE71 (Source: NSW Parliamentary Committee on Children and Young People media release, 17 March 2008, viewed 16 May 2008, http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/6D1DB08141F48C45CA25740F000F6E83)
PUBLIC SPACE
Child-friendly community indicators
As part of its Built Environment project, the NSW Commission for Children and Young People is developing a set of child-friendly community indicators for use in planning and evaluating child-friendly built environments. The first step is a literature review, prepared by Griffith University's Urban Research Program. The literature review describes work that has been done around the world and the lessons learned to guide this project. More online at the commission's website (get there via: http://tinyurl.com/5kyq9b).
SPORT
Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues calls for help from the youth field
CMYI and the Victorian Network on Recreation and Disability are investigating the experiences of refugee and migrant young people with a disability in accessing, and participating in, sport and recreation opportunities, and write: "We are keen to develop an accurate overview of what's available and highlight some effective programs. For this we need the assistance of those working in the field". This work is part of broader programs funded by VicHealth. A key goal of the project is to develop best practice recommendations for sports providers to assist them in working effectively with this group of young people. The project will also look at piloting new programs or expanding effective programs to different areas or sports. The first stage of the project is to develop a broad outline of available programs, including both programs specifically for refugee and migrant young people with a disability as well as those programs that work with this group as part of a more general program, CALD-specific program, or disability program. Readers who are involved in (or aware of) any sports projects working with refugee and migrant young people with a disability, are asked to please contact Sarah at CMYI via scornfoot[AT]cmyi.net.au or ph: (03) 9340 3700 (Thursdays). (Source: 'cmyi e-news', April 2008, http://www.cmyi.net.au/CMYIeNews#newatCMYI; viewed 19 May 2008.)
Sports Without Borders
This not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds who are either involved in, or want to be involved in, sport. The nature of the support offered includes multilingual resources, direct financial assistance, traineeships, mentoring programs and sponsorships. The Sports Without Borders website features news on the organisation's activities and current projects, along with a searchable directory of sporting clubs around Australia. There is information on how to apply for assistance and how to become a donor. See: http://www.sportswithoutborders.net.au (Source: Infoxchange, viewed 16 May 2008.)
TRANSITIONS
From disengaged to re-engaged: Young people's right to education and training
In January 2008 the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) put out a call for papers on the topic, 'From disengaged to re-engaged: Young people's right to education and training' for its magazine, 'New Transitions'. YANQ also invited young people to submit their ideas via the 'Re-engage This!' multimedia competition. The outcome of these initiatives is a special online edition of YANQ's magazine, 'New transitions' (May 2008). This edition (YANQ titles it the 'Re-engagement edition') features writing and art from an eclectic group of people in the youth sector: youth workers, young people, academics and program coordinators. The papers range in content from opinion pieces based on years of practice to detailed discussions of programs that are working to maintain or to re-engage young people in education. See: http://www.yanq.org.au/content/view/1059/9/
VOLUNTEERING
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD)
Applications for the current round of assignments to the programs of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) close on 30 May 2008. AYAD places 18- to 30-year-olds (mostly graduates) in volunteer assignments in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region. Volunteers undertake work in a range of sectors, such as education, environment, gender, governance, health infrastructure, rural development and trades. They receive a living and accommodation allowance, and their airfares, medical expenses and pre-departure training are paid by AYAD. Assignments last from three to 12 months, and three times a year, the program's new assignments are listed online at: http://www.ayad.com.au For more details, contact Orit Bierenboim, Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Program, Austraining International, Level 1, 41 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town, SA, 5067. Ph: 1800 225 592 or (08) 8364 8500; fax: (08) 8364 8585; http://www.austraining.com.au