The director of another clearinghouse noted recently that many of their hard copy subscribers are not signed up for their 'e-news' service. The survey that we are currently undertaking here at the Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies (publishers of this newsletter) shows that the reverse can also be true. While this probably says more about other people's reading habits than our marketing, we are keen for you to know more about our journal, Youth Studies Australia. So, for those of you reading newsletter who are unfamiliar with our journal, and for its many fans, this edition of Youth Field Xpress begins with a taste of the latest edition's content.
First though, have you completed our annual survey? We value your feedback on our products and services. When you complete the survey, you can also put yourself in the running to win a copy of one of our recently published books worth $50 (either 'Sounds of then, sounds of now: Popular music in Australia', or, 'Outrageous! Moral panic in Australia'). Our survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. It closes on 30 September 2008. See: http://tinyurl.com/6q5mgj
Here's that promised taste from our latest journal, hot off the press:

Feature articles in Youth Studies Australia, September 2008 (v.27, n.3)
Values and visions: Youth and the failure of modern Western culture, by Richard Eckersley

Youth Studies Australia, v.27, n.3, pp.10-19. Summary: In this age of dissatisfaction with our present, and unease about our future, science writer and strategic analyst Richard Eckersley challenges us to address the fundamental issue of 'how we are to live' -- an issue he places beyond the quantifiable and policy-based matters and into the wider realm of culture or 'how we see the world and our place in it, in both a social and spiritual sense, and the values we uphold'.
Note: In her editorial to this edition of Youth Studies Australia its editor, Sue Headley, writes: "We include in this edition a paper that was first published in Youth Studies Australia 13 years ago, but I think most readers would be hard pressed to pick its age. Maybe we live in a very static period as far as youth issues are concerned, or maybe some youth issues are 'timeless' in Western cultures and Richard Eckersley, the author of [Values and visions] was able to identify them. We are reproducing Richard's paper not only because its continued relevance suggests a lack of societal development in areas crucial to human existence, but also because it illustrates the ongoing relevance of so many Youth Studies Australia papers to people working in the youth field."

Online network use in schools: Social and educational opportunities, by Tanya Notley

Youth Studies Australia, v.27, n.3, pp.20-29. Summary: Most state governments in Australia have banned popular online networking sites from public schools after these sites were accused of supporting a broad host of threats to young people. This paper questions the effectiveness of these bans in light of recent empirical research that highlights the social and educational benefits that can accrue from young people's online network use. In doing so, this paper argues for a more informed policy debate that considers not only the risks involved in using online networks, but also the opportunities online networks afford and the capabilities young people require to use them effectively.

The real cost of linking homeless young people to employment, education and training, by Robyn Broadbent

Youth Studies Australia, v.27, n.3, pp.30-38. Summary: This article explores the implementation of the Victorian Youth Employment, Education and Training Initiative (YEETI). This statewide initiative delivered brokerage funds to homeless young people through their housing advocates. One of the findings of the project was that the main barrier to young people achieving a stable continuum in their lives was their difficulty in maintaining links to education. The data revealed that a significant proportion of young people requested brokerage funds for education fees. The research identifies two key themes that could lead to a more strategic approach to youth homelessness policy and program delivery.

Meeting the needs of marginalised young men: An analysis of service provision, by Mindy Sotiri

Youth Studies Australia, v.27, n.3, pp.39-49. Summary: Recent research into the needs of marginalised young men in the inner west of Sydney found that there are serious problems related to service accessibility for this group. This article explores some of these key issues related to accessibility including: the help-seeking behaviour of disadvantaged young men; organisational barriers, such as the absence of flexibility and spontaneity in some organisations; the need to examine service rules and culture with regard to issues of punctuality and anger; and structural barriers, such as opening hours. It is argued that there are frequently tensions between the needs of the most marginalised young men and the needs of agencies that offer them assistance.

"This is not a rave!" Changes in the commercialised Melbourne rave/dance party scene, by Christine Siokou and David Moore

Youth Studies Australia, v.27, n.3, pp.50-57. Summary: Raves have been the subject of sociological research for many years, with their increasing commercialisation being a key topic of interest. However, little attention has been paid to how young people attending raves view the changes in rave culture. This article examines four of the changes associated with the commercialisation of the Melbourne rave/dance party scene. It also examines representations of past and present raves/dance parties articulated by a group of long-term rave/dance party attendees. Nostalgic representations of past rave forms can be read as claims to subcultural capital, to the possession of an 'authentic' rave identity.
The editorial to this edition of Youth Studies Australia continues with mention of the forthcoming book from ACYS, 'Doing youth work': "After recently spending many weeks looking at all past issues of Youth Studies Australia, our director, Rob White, urged us to compile a resource for youth workers that brings together the wealth of pertinent and topical material that has appeared in the journal. He selected nearly 120 papers and divided them into three areas under the general title of Doing youth work in Australia. The three volumes will be subtitled: Concepts and methods of youth work; Youth work and youth issues; and Youth work and social diversity. Rob has written an introduction to Richard Eckersley's paper and to the volumes featured on p.9 [of Youth Studies Australia, September 2008]. We hope to have these publications [on youth work] available for purchase by the end of 2008." Sue Headley concludes: "We hope, as always, that this selection of papers provides those working with young people with information and inspiration to assist them in their valuable work".
Youth Studies Australia continues to occupy a place of esteem in the peer reviewed literature: the world-famous bibliographic database, ERIC, will be including citations to its articles (2004 onwards) in the near future.

2. AUSTRALIAN YOUTH FORUM

Launching of the AYF in Adelaide

Kate Ellis, Australia's Minister for Youth, will launch the Australian Youth Forum on Thursday 2 October 2008 at the Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre in Adelaide. The AYF is a new initiative to give young Australians a forum to discuss important issues and to be heard by Government. The establishment of the AYF gives young people input into Australia's policymaking processes and a say on how their future will be shaped. Information about registering to attend the launch is at: http://www.thesource.gov.au, or send an email to the AYF, ayf[at]deewr.gov.au.

3. CARE AND PROTECTION

'Improving outcomes for children living in families with parental substance misuse: What do we know and what should we do'

This is the title of the latest paper in the 'Child Abuse Prevention Issues' series published by the National Child Protection Clearinghouse (Australian Institute of Family Studies). The paper, written by Sharon Dawe, Paul Harnett and Sally Frye, 'provides an overview of the research literature on the outcomes of children raised in families with multiple problems including parental substance misuse'. The authors argue that "until we have accurate mechanisms for estimating the extent of the problem and policies that include a focus on children and families within the drug and alcohol field, organisational change will be difficult to achieve. Importantly, the field can develop 'evidence-informed' treatments but until this becomes core business in drug and alcohol services little is likely to change for the many children living in families with parental substance misuse". The paper is available on the NCPC website: http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/issues/issues29/issues29.html (Source: Dawe, C., Hernett, P. and Frye, S. 2008, 'Improving outcomes for children living in families with parental substance misuse: What do we know and what should we do?', 'Child Abuse Prevention Issues' n.29, National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Melbourne.)

KARI Clinic identifies needs of Indigenous young people in out-of-home-care

The KARI Clinic is an initiative operated by KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated, an Indigenous community service based in Liverpool, NSW. The clinic was established in 2003 to identify and respond to the developmental and health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people entering Kari's out-of-home-care program, many of whom were found to have unmet, high-level health needs. Clinic staff (allied health professionals) perform developmental screenings, behavioural assessments and speech and occupational assessments, referring children and young people to further specialists if required. The clinic, one of only four of its kind across NSW, is an intersectoral, multidisciplinary partnership between KARI, the South West Sydney Area Health Service and the New South Wales Department of Community Services Metro South West Sydney Region. For further information about the KARI Clinic, or KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated, visit: http://www.kari.com.au (Source: Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, 'SNAICC News', July 2008, p.16.)

4. DISABILITIES

WebWatch

The Australian Human Rights Commission website now includes WebWatch, a public list of government websites that are named (and shamed) as they come to the commission's attention for posting material that is inaccessible to people with disabilities (e.g. for providing documents only in one format, such as PDF, without offering a text alternative). WebWatch can be accessed at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/webaccess/webwatch.htm

Respite funding for carers of young people with severe disabilities

At the recent conference of the National Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance in August, Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin announced $2.1 million in funding to help carers of young people with severe disabilities to have access to emergency, unplanned respite. The funding will be provided through the Respite Support for Carers of Young People with a Severe or Profound Disability Program, which is delivered through the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres. Ms Macklin said the funding would provide help to a further 2,000 carers of young people with a severe or profound disability during 2008-2009. (Source: FaHCSIA website at: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/young_people_nursing_homes_19aug08.htm, viewed 18 September 2008.)

5. DRUGS

National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre

Australia's new National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre is rapidly building new resources on its website, at: http://ncpic.org.au/workforce/cannabisinfo/resources/ The centre is a consortium of high-quality organisations from around the country, led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. The NCPIC provides a helpline (the National Cannabis Information and Helpline: 1800 30 40 50). Members of the NCPIC are eligible to receive a range of electronic resources as well as regular updates on the centre's activities. For detaisl, contact Paul Dillon, email: p.dillon[at]unsw.edu.au, or ph: (02) 9385 0226).

Drugs: Education, prevention and policy

The peer-reviewed UK journal, 'Drugs: Education, prevention and policy' is seeking submissions for a special edition on drugs, alcohol and Indigenous peoples, to be published in 2009. Submissions are invited from researchers, professionals or volunteers working with these communities, as well as members of Indigenous communities. To discuss a possible submission, or ask a question, contact Richard Ives, richard[at]educari.com or visit the journal website at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713412630~db=all (Source: Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet) website, http://auseinet.flinders.edu.au/noticeboard/ausei90.php, (viewed 19 September 2008.)

6. EDUCATION

'Education at a glance 2008: OECD indicators'

The 2008 edition of this annual Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report was released earlier this month. It compares education data from its 30 member countries, which include Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. The report 'enables countries to see themselves in the light of other countries' performance. The 2008 report found that Australia was "among a handful of ... countries, such as Canada, Japan, Britain and the US, where students and families were increasingly bearing the financial burden of higher education" and that "private spending had almost tripled during the past five years in OECD countries, with Australia one of only a few countries where private funding exceeded 50%". Also, "Australian tertiary students were found to have among the highest tuition fees in the world (an average of almost $4,900), but at the same time were offered 'well developed student support systems' such as HECS or the Youth Allowance." ('The Age', 10 September 2008, http://www.theage.com.au/national/global-study-shows-high-education-cost-20080909-4d20.html) 'Education at a Glance 2008: OECD Indicators', released on 9 September 2008 (ISBN: 9789264046283) provides a rich, comparable and up-to-date array of indicators on the performance of education systems and represents the consensus of professional thinking on how to measure the current state of education internationally. (Source: http://www.oecd.org/ or get to the full report via: http://tinyurl.com/6nkskw, viewed 18 September 2008.)

School leavers' vocational pathways

Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research report n. 52, 'VET Pathways taken by school leavers', by David D Curtis, has been published by the Australian Council for Educational Research and is now available on ACER's website, http://www.acer.edu.au/lsay/research.html
The report examines the pathways in VET followed by school-leavers, VET retention rates and the subsequent life pathways of VET participants. ACER's report shows that VET programs provide important pathways that can lead to improved employment opportunities for young people. Using LSAY survey data collected from young people who were in Year 9 in 1995, the study follows that cohort's progress through school into post-school education, and their participation in the workforce (to 2004, when their modal age was 23 years). Three types of VET programs are investigated: apprenticeships, traineeships and non-apprenticeship VET courses. In addition, it looks at the pathways of those undertook university study and those who undertook no formal education or training at all. The study shows that by age 23, young people who had undertaken VET programs were more likely to be in full-time employment than those who had not undertaken any post-school study, and that school leavers who participate in VET are more likely to succeed in their careers, having increased their employment prospects and earning power. (Source: Australian Council for Educational, 'ACER e-news', n.69, September 2008, http://www.acer.edu.au/enews/0809_LSAY52.html, viewed 18 September 2008.)

Review of Australian Higher Education

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations' major review of Australian higher education, otherwise known as the Bradley review, is examining the future direction of Australia's higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy, and the options for ongoing reform. Submissions to the discussion paper (the Bradley Review discussion paper) can be viewed at:
http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/policy_issues_reviews/reviews/highered_review/
The review panel was to provide its report on priority action by the end of October 2008, and a final report by the end of the year. However, in September, Prof. Denise Bradley told 'The Australian' that the review panel could not produce recommendations by October as it had "come to the view that a 'package of reforms' was needed, and that 'in these circumstances immediate or short-term priorities cannot be identified' [as] the review panel was still waiting on commissioned research covering issues such as demand, cost-revenue dynamics, internationalisation, student support, funding models and student experience". Instead, the panel will consult directly with government as it prepares a "comprehensive and integrated package of reforms in December". (Source: 'The Australian' Higher Education Supplement, 10 September 2008, p.21.)

MCEETYA news: Setting educational goals for young Australians

The Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) website states that " Australian Education Ministers in collaboration with the Catholic and independent school sectors are developing a new National Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians that will set the direction for Australian schooling over the next 10 years." Public feedback on the proposed draft declaration is invited from both individuals and organisations. Submissions close on Friday 3 October 2008. See: http://www.mceetya.edu.au/mceetya/natgoals,24767.html

7. HEALTH

'Never better - or getting worse: The health and wellbeing of young Australians'

"The Australian Commission for the Future drew attention to concerns about young people's health and wellbeing in a seminal report published twenty years ago. Comparing the situation then and now, there have been important successes, especially in turning around rising youth suicide and drug-related deaths. However, it appears that two decades of concerted policy intervention and substantial increases in health spending, and a long economic boom have not improved more fundamental features of young people's resilience and wellbeing." So writes Richard Eckersley in his introduction to a recently published Australia21 report on young people's health and wellbeing.
Australia 21 was formed in 2001 as a non-profit group to fill a national need for fresh and independent thinking about large and unsolved problems that confront us in the new century. In the report's introduction, Richard Eckersley writes that while "the more tangible factors contributing to the decline in mental health include family conflict and breakdown, education and work pressures, media and technological impacts, dietary changes and environmental pollution", the causes of the decline also include "cultural intangibles, such as excessive materialism and individualism. While young people are materially better off, and have more opportunities for education, leisure and travel than ever before, social and cultural changes have made it harder for them to develop a strong sense of identity, purpose, belonging and security: in short, to feel life is deeply meaningful and worthwhile.
"Closing the gap between the scale of policy responses and the magnitude of the challenge to optimise young people's wellbeing will require more fundamental actions. These actions need to go well beyond specific health interventions." ('Never better - or getting worse: The health and wellbeing of young Australians', by Richard Eckersley, Australia21, 2008, p.5.)
The report will be launched with a public lecture at the Australian National University on Thursday, 25 October 2008. The report can be downloaded in PDF format from the Australia 21 website at:
http://www.australia21.org.au/whats_new.htm

7th Annual Australia and New Zealand Adolescent Health Conference: Adolescent health 2008: My space, your space, our space.

Against a backdrop of "shifts in the equilibrium of the global environment, the redefinition of social contexts, the construction of virtual realities, and the power of new technologies", this conference intends to focus on new ways of understanding youth and how we work towards improving their health and wellbeing. Interestingly, the conference organisers list the conference themes in these terms:
* belonging, participating, connecting and communicating
* researching, analysing, integrating and synthesising
* assessing, screening, monitoring and treating
* learning, creating, experiencing and expressing
and follow these by saying that it is "time to share knowledge and experience across professions, disciplines and sectors". The conference takes place in Melbourne on 5-7 November 2008; details at: http://www.adolescenthealth08.com,

8. HOMELESSNESS

'Parity': Call for papers for a special edition on homelessness and children

'Parity', magazine of the Council to Homeless Persons, is calling or papers on homelessness and children (defined here as under 17 years of age) relating to policy, programs, service delivery and issues such as leaving care, child protection and family violence. For further information, contact the editor, Noel Murray, email: parity[at]chp.org.au or see: http://www.chp.org.au/parity (Source: Child Protection Discussion List (Australian Institute of Family Studies), email, 8 September 2008.)

Young people at risk

The July 2008 edition of 'Parity' is devoted to the topic of young people at risk. Its valuable collection of articles is broken into four chapters: Framing the Issues (including 'Prevention and early intervention for at-risk youth: Some policy issues' by Associate Professor David MacKenzie, Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University), Recent Research (including 'Residents at risk: Youth homelessness and marginal housing' by Dr Andy Marks, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW), At-Risk Young People: Some Responses (including 'Mission Australia's Nightspot Program: An exercise in community capacity-building', by Nada Vindis, Youth Accommodation and Support Services, Mission Australia) and Working with Young People who are Homeless (including 'Valuing the role of youth homelessness workers' by Jane Lazzari, Council to Homeless Persons). For further information, visit the 'Parity' website: http://www.chp.org.au/parity (Source: 'Parity', v.21, n.2, 2008.)

9. INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES

Young Australians in debt

Young Australians and those living in outer metropolitan areas are showing signs of severe debt stress, according to March 2008 quarter debt trends data compiled by credit reporting agency Dun and Bradstreet which shows that more than half of all debtors are under 35 years of age. Young Australians are incurring higher telecommunications debt than older Australians. Dun and Bradstreet CEO Christine Christian said that "the fact that more than half of all debtors are younger than 35 is a sign that this group in particular are experiencing significant debt stress. Young people need to ensure they pay close attention to the management of all their debts to avoid their debt burden from spiralling out of control." Another worrying trend in the report is the increase in the number of debts under $400 that are being referred for collection. According to Ms Christian, this shows that either consumers are "in very serious trouble" or they "don't fully understand the consequences of missing payments". (Source: Dun and Bradstreet 2008, 'Collection agency: Australian youth facing debt stress', media release, 15 May, viewed 18 September 2008, http://dnb.com.au/Header/News/Australias_youth_facing_debt_stress/indexdl_4270.aspx)

10. INDIGENOUS ISSUES

Drugs: education, prevention and policy

The peer-reviewed UK journal, 'Drugs: Education, prevention and policy' is seeking submissions for a special edition on drugs, alcohol and Indigenous peoples, to be published in 2009. Submissions are invited from researchers, professionals or volunteers working with these communities, as well as members of Indigenous communities. To discuss a possible submission, or ask a question, contact Richard Ives, richard@educari.com or visit the journal web site at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713412630~db=all

'Strengthening Aboriginal family functioning: What works and why?'

This paper by Roz Walker and Carrington Shepherd from the Kulunga Research Network (the Indigenous research arm of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research), is published by the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse as part of their 'AFRC Briefing' series. The paper's abstract reads as follows: "There is widespread recognition that strong family relationships and good family functioning are essential for individual, family and community wellbeing, as well as providing long-term benefits to broader society. This is certainly also true in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, although there are considerable differences in the structures of Aboriginal families and their functional dynamics. Despite the importance of good functioning, there remains a limited evidence base to describe how well Aboriginal families function or the factors that support family harmony or contribute to dysfunction. This paper will discuss the contemporary evidence base, including case studies of programs that work, to provide insights into the protective effects and risks that influence forms of functioning among Aboriginal families. This paper makes extensive use of state-specific research and data. There is a particular focus on recent data describing the level of functioning of Aboriginal families in Western Australia." AFRC briefing papers can be downloaded from the AFRC's website: http://www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/pubs/pubs.html (Source: Walker, R. & Shepherd, C. 2008, 'Strengthening Aboriginal family functioning: What works and why?' 'AFRC Briefing', n.7, Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse at the Australian Institute of Family Studies, Melbourne, viewed 17 September 2008, http://www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/pubs/pubs.html)

Call for submissions on the establishment of the National Indigenous law and justice advisory body

The Australian Government, through the Attorney-General's Department and as part of its bigger commitment to Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage, is conducting consultation sessions and inviting written submissions from stakeholders about the establishment of a national Indigenous law and justice advisory body. In particular, the Department seeks views on the proposed model of the advisory body, the role and responsibilities it could assume, critical issues it could address at a national level and ideas on how the selection process could occur. Written submissions can be made by completing the submission form (at: http://www.ag.gov.au/) and returning it to the Attorney-General's Department by 31 October 2008. (Source: 'YC Ebulletin' The E-Bulletin of the Youth Coalition of the ACT, 15 February 2008.)

11. MEDIA

Short film competition on the theme of the impact of cannabis on young lives

The Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre has organised a short film competition for young people aged between the ages of 16 and 25 the chance to air their creativity and express their views on the impact of cannabis on the lives of young people. Any style or genre of film can be entered, provided it creatively explores issues associated with cannabis use and demonstrates the importance of seeking help early if someone is experiencing problems with the drug. Entries must be received by 20 October 2008 -- entry forms are at: http://ncpic.org.au/ncpic/news/competitions/article/ncpic-short-film-competition

12. MENTAL HEALTH

Mental illness and suicide prevention

The spring 2008 edition of 'SANE News' focuses on the topic of mental illness and suicide prevention in Australia. It highlights the whole-of-organisation approach towards the issue of suicide prevention that SANE Australia adopts with its projects and resources, such as the SANE Media Centre (which works with media professionals and the mental health sector to ensure responsible reporting of mental illness and suicide-related stories), the Bereavement and Mental Illness Project (which aims to improve the quality of support and services available to those who are bereaved by suicide), and the 'SANE guide to staying alive' (a resource designed to help those with a mental illness who are feeling suicidal) as well as the organisation's continuing work to ensure the early, effective and ongoing treatment and support for Australians living with mental illness. For further information, visit the SANE Australia website: http://www.sane.org (Source: 'SANE News', spring 2008, pp.2, 4-6.)

SANE StigmaWatch 2008

SANE Australia has released their StigmaWatch report for 2008. StigmaWatch is a program of the SANE Media Centre, and monitors portrayals of mental illness and suicide in the media. The StigmaWatch program highlights both "good news stories" of accurate, responsible and respectful reporting of mental illness and suicide in the media, and representations that perpetuate stigma ('the perception of a group of people as less worthy of respect than others') against people with a mental illness. According to the report, StigmaWatch responded to 360 reports of stigma between July 2007 and June 2008, 52 per cent of which were published online. Most of these online incidents of stigma were found in news items on the websites of major Australian newspapers. The report also includes an outline of Australian Government research indicating a "dramatic reduction in sensationalist and negative reporting" about mental illness and suicide between 2000-2001 and 2006-2007 The report can be downloaded from the SANE Australia website: http://www.sane.org/stigmawatch/stigmawatch_reports/stigmawatch_report_2008.html (Source: SANE StigmaWatch 2008, 'SANE StigmaWatch 2008: Portrayal of mental illness and suicide in the Australian media 2007-2008', SANE Australia, South Melbourne.)

The Anika Foundation

This foundation, based in NSW, was established in 2005 to raise funds to support research into depression and suicide among adolescents. It is named after Anika Wignall, an HSC student who took her own life in 2004. In August, the three recipients of the Premier's Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarships were announced for 2008. These scholarships enable school counsellors and teachers to undertake a course at the Black Dog Institute, as well as a study tour to schools and institutions in other parts of the world that have successful adolescent depression programs and expertise. For further information, see: http://www.anikafoundation.com (Source: Anika Foundation website, viewed 17 September 2008.)

Mobile phones used as mental health tracking tool

The Mobile Tracking Young People's Experiences (mobiletype) project is trialling the use of an interactive mental health assessment and management program that young people are able to access through their mobile phones. This project, based at the Centre for Adolescent Health at the Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne), is a collaboration between the Harvard Medical School and the Department of General Practice, Melbourne University. According to the project website, the mobiletype program is "an electronic diary" that is downloaded onto a mobile phone, allowing a young person to report on a wide range of experiences including "daily activities, stresses and depressive and anxious symptoms as they occur". The electronic diary is interactive and throughout the day, prompts the young person to complete the diary. The program has been trialled in Victoria in both clinical and school settings. More at: http://www.mobiletype.com.au/ (Source: Mobile Tracking Young People's Experiences website, viewed 18 September 2008.)

13. MOVEMENTS, CHANGES, MILESTONES

HREOC is now the Australian Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission is now known as the Australian Human Rights Commission. The change of name will be used on all communications and publications but the legal name will remain the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. See: http://tinyurl.com/4dscny or
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/89_08.html
The Commission's new vision and mission statements can be found at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/index.html (Source: Australian Human Rights Commission 2008, 'HREOC will now be known as the Australian Human Rights Commission', media release, 4 September, viewed 18 September 2008, http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/89_08.html)

Young Australians achieve best ever result in International Olympiad

Australia's four-member student team achieved a gold, two silver and a bronze medal at the annual International Olympiad in Informatics, held in Cairo as part of the UNESCO-sanctioned International Science Olympiads -- the premier international computer programming competition for high school students. The IOI is the second largest Olympiad in the world, with students from about 90 countries participating.

14. PARENTING

Young people and drugs: What parents need to know

The DrugInfo Clearinghouse recently updated their pamphlet, 'Young people and drugs: What parents need to know' -- a good starting point for any parent concerned about drug use. It includes basic information about drugs, common myths about drug use and what to do if you suspect your child is using drugs. Contact details for support services and more information are also included. A single free copy of the pamphlet is available to all DrugInfo Clearinghouse members based in Australia. To request your free copy, email your name, organisation and postal address to: druginfo[at]adf.org.au or ph: 1300 858 584. More copies can be ordered through the Australian Drug Foundation resource catalogue or online at: http://www.bookshop.adf.org.au

15. PARTICIPATION

'Young people imagining a new democracy: Literature review'

Launched in late August 2008, this literature review was conducted by Philippa Collin (Policy Manager with the Inspire Foundation) on behalf of the Whitlam Institute and the University of Western Sydney Office of University Engagement. The review is the first stage in these organisations' joint project investigating community engagement and political participation among young Australians, titled Young People Imagining a New Democracy. The literature review provides a summary of existing Australian and international research into young people's involvement in democratic processes, identifying the main themes present in the literature, as well as identifying gaps in the current data. It found that there is "clear evidence that young people in Australia are engaged with political and social issues, but that they feel alienated by formal, institutionalised politics and are less inclined to engage in traditional forms of participation". To download a copy of the literature review, and to find out more about the Young People Imagining a New Democracy project, visit the Whitlam Institute website: http://www.whitlam.org (Source: Collin, P. 2008, 'Young people imagining a new democracy: Literature review', The Whitlam Institute within the University of Western Sydney, http://www.whitlam.org/, or http://tinyurl.com/4r5t2e, viewed 12 September 2008.)

Opportunities for young Victorians to work at Australia's first think-tank for young minds

A new organisation, Left Right, "a think-tank of young minds" is recruiting volunteer staff for 10 key positions in their operations and policy departments. Each of the part-time positions is for a period of 6 months, from early October 2008 to the organisation's public launch in early 2009. Applicants must be aged 16 to 24 years and based within Victoria. The volunteer recruits will conduct policy research and development in a professional, inclusive and supportive environment, delivering proposals to the community while being educated, trained and empowered as the next generation of leaders. Applications close at 5 p.m. EST on Monday 29 September. More details at: http://www.leftright.org.au or contact Thomas Woodroofe, C/- YACVic, Level 2, 172 Flinders St, Melbourne Victoria 3000, email: thom[at]leftright.org.au

16. RESEARCH

Coming soon: 'Youth, health and welfare'

This is the title of an upcoming book written by Professor Johanna Wyn (Director of the Australian Youth Research Centre, University of Melbourne) Scheduled for release in December 2008 by Oxford University Press, the book meets the demand for "a critical, policy and practice-oriented inter-disciplinary perspective on the changing nature of young people's lives and how this affects their health and wellbeing". This book provides a "lively, research-based and critical approach to young people's health and wellbeing in contemporary society, drawing on the latest research from a variety of Australian and international sources". It covers current debates and theoretical ideas, an analysis of key health and wellbeing issues, the challenges for health and education professionals and the ways in which health and educational approaches frame youth. "The focus throughout is on young people's experiences, priorities and attitudes in relation to risk, wellbeing and health in a changing world." More at the Oxford University Press website:
http://www.oup.com.au/titles/higher_ed/health_sciences/9780195560466#fragment-9 (Source: Oxford University Press website, viewed 18 September 2008.)

Longitudinal Study of Australian Youth news

The August edition of this newsletter had flagged the imminent launch of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research's dedicated website for the Longitudinal Study of Australian Youth. The site has now been launched. All LSAY publications are made freely available at: http://www.lsay.edu.au

Identifying research priorities for the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY), 2008–10

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), has issued a discussion paper for stakeholder consultations. Submissions are required by 3 October 2008. NCVER is embarking on this stakeholder consultation to determine the research priorities for the LSAY research program, Australia's leading youth transition survey which tracks young people as they move from school into further study, work and other destinations. The research priorities identified as a result of this consultation process will determine the basis of projects undertaken by NCVER and its research partner, the Social Policy Evaluation, Analysis and Research Centre within the LSAY Analytical Program. (LSAY is managed and funded by DEEWR and, for the next three years, its analytical and reporting services are provided by NCVER.) The priorities identified by the consultation process will also provide direction for a broader audience of researchers using the LSAY data through the Research and Innovation Expansion Fund. The priorities may also affect future questions in the LSAY survey instruments. "These priorities will ensure that LSAY continues to be a well used resource providing relevant, evidence-based research from which to inform youth transition policy." Responses can be sent via email to alison.anlezark[at]ncver.edu.au, or in writing to Alison Anlezark, LSAY Branch, National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), PO Box 8288, Station Arcade, SA, 5000.

LSAY Analysis Grants Program issues an invitation to researchers

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations invites interested researchers to submit proposals under the LSAY Analysis Grants Program for funding in an open category. This open category offers researchers the opportunity to put forward proposals for research that will draw primarily on LSAY data, using its longitudinal nature, to inform policy on youth transitions. Find out more from NCVER's Renee Lukeman, ph (08) 8230 8661, email: renee.lukeman[at]ncver.edu.au (Source: InfoXchange news service, http://www.youth.infoxchange.net.au/news/detail.chtml?filename_num=228334 and NCVER website, http://www.ncver.edu.au/lsay/about.html, viewed 19 September 2008.)

"Youth studies provides a strong foundation for advanced study in social work, education, and public policy"

So says a University of Minnesota's Youth Studies course webpage that lists potential employers and career opportunities for youth studies graduates. The Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies website invites Australian tertiary providers of youth work training or youth studies courses to send updates for the ACYS site section on training at: http://www.acys.info/resources/youthwork_training Contact ACYS with your updated course details: http://www.acys.info/home/feedback

How young people are faring 2008

This year, the annual report, 'How young people are faring' will be published by the Foundation for Young Australians/Education Foundation Australia, and will be released in mid-October 2008. The Dusseldorp Skills Forum is actively supporting FYA/EFA in this new role. (Source: Dusseldorp Skills Forum newsletter (email) 26 August 2008, http://www.dsf.org.au Also keep an eye on the FYA website at: http://www.youngaustralians.org -- and at:
http://www.youngaustralians.org/library/list.chtml?folder=2008

Academia at ... www.academia.edu: A Facebook for academics?

An Oxford academic has cornered what must be prime real-estate in terms of a URL: http://www.academia.edu Richard Price, a prize fellow in philosophy at All Souls College Oxford, recently launched the online site, for use by academics around the world, arranged as a family tree according to university/department affiliation. The website allows academics to maintain their own web presence within the service, e.g. http://oxford.academia.edu/RichardPrice A week ago, there were no Australian academic institutions represented on the site, but when last viewed (19 September 2008) Youth Field Xpress counted five, and along the way, discovered the Australian Digital Futures Institute (http://www.usq.edu.au/adfi/).

17. RIGHTS

Nominations closing soon for the 2008 Young People's Human Rights Medal

The Young People's Human Rights Medal recognises the actions of a person under the age of 25 in assisting specific groups of people in Australia, working for the betterment of sectors of our society or generally making a contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights and equal opportunity in our country. Nominations for this year's medal close on Friday 3 October. To download a nomination form, or for further information, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission's website: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards or phone: (02) 9284 9618; email hrawards[at]humanrights.gov.au (Source: Australian Human Rights Commission 2008, 'The 2008 Young People's Human Rights Medal - only 3 weeks left to get your nominations in', media release, 10 September, viewed 18 September 2008.)

18. RURAL YOUTH

Heywire 2008: Deadline for submissions extended to 3 October

Young people with something to say have an extra month to put the finishing touches to their Heywire stories for ABC Radio, online and TV. The Heywire competition, an initiative of ABC Radio, is open to young people aged 16 to 22 from regional and rural Australia. Entries can be made in video, audio, text or photo formats, and winning entries (selected from each of the ABC Local Radio regions) will be presented by on ABC Radio, triplej, ABC TV, online and in the Heywire zine. Each winner will be invited to take part in the Heywire Youth Issues Forum, held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in February 2009, where they'll participate in a leadership skills program, have an opportunity to meet their Federal Government representatives at Parliament House and gain skills in working with the media. To enter, and further information, visit: http://blogs.abc.net.au/heywire or http://abc.net.au/heywire or ring the Heywire hotline on 1800 26 26 46.

19. SAFETY/RISK TAKING

New Zealand launches 'Safer young drivers: A guide to best practice education'

In New Zealand, 15- to 24-year-olds make up only 16 per cent of all licence holders, but between 2004 and 2006 they accounted for 38 per cent of road fatalities. New Zeland's AA and Land Transport New Zealand have issued the 'Safer Young Drivers' guide to raise the overall standard of road safety education for young people and help young drivers who take part in road safety education to become safer drivers. See: http://tinyurl.com/4mwjs8 (http://www.aa.co.nz/about/events/AA-Driver-Education-Foundation/Pages/Safer-Young-Drivers.aspx) or http://tinyurl.com/4cvk68 (http://www.transport.govt.nz/improving-road-safety-education-for-young-people-1) (Source: New Zealand Herald, 28 July 2008, http://tinyurl.com/4gbeqa or http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10523825)

20. SEXUAL HEALTH

Safer Sex portal for young people

Safer Sex is a new sexual health portal for youth that uses SMS or text messaging to engage with young people and encourage them to achieve high standards of sexual health. Signing up to SMS gives access to free up-to-date sexual health information. Based on the Somazone website (http://www.somazone.com.au) Safer Sex contains information about contraception, sexually transmitted infections and sexual health as well as:
* an anonymous and professional Q and A service that provides clear answers to any questions about sexual health by a panel of health professionals
* a safe space to share stories and experiences
* links to Australian youth-friendly health services and organisations
* the ability to sign-up for free sexual health SMSs
Safer Sex is a partnership between the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) and the Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS). The website was developed as part of a project funded through the Victorian Department of Human Services Health Promotion Funding Initiative. For more information, contact YSAS, ph: (03) 9415 8881 or Somazone, ph: (03) 9278 8100, or email somazone[at]adf.org.au; website: http:www.safersex.com.au (Source: DrugInfo Clearinghouse email news, 28 August 2008.)

HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia: annual report of trends in behaviour 2008

This report, edited by John Imrie and Andrew Frankland of the National Centre in HIV Social Research, University of New South Wales, looks at the behavioural and attitudinal data that are key to forming and evaluating prevention strategies and to understanding individuals' experiences of treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections. The report includes data on the social aspects of treatment and care of those infected with hepatitis C virus and HIV, including those living with AIDS. (Source:
National Centre in HIV Social Research, http://nchsr.arts.unsw.edu.au/, viewed 15 September 2008.)

21. SPORT

'Young Muslim women's participation in sports and recreation'

Sport is very much part of the Australian culture. Although sport itself is a universal activity, it is also a uniquely Australian affair shaped by what is often referred to as 'the Australian lifestyle'. Yet sport and recreational activities in Australia are not always entirely inclusive, particularly for people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups such as Muslim young women. Physical, cultural, social, economic and religious barriers may limit Muslim young women's participation in sports and recreation.
The report 'Young Muslim women's participation in sports and recreation', produced by the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland is the result of a research project that aimed to identify and analyse socio-cultural barriers affecting Muslim young women's participation in sport and recreation and to develop strategies that promote a greater participation in sport and recreation by young Muslim women in Queensland. Download the report from http://tinyurl.com/663plp (Source: email, viewed 18 September 2008.)

ASICS conference of science and medicine in sport

The Asics Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport is a multidisciplinary meeting held annually for professionals with an interest or a specialisation in sports medicine, sports science, physical activity promotion, sports injury prevention and recreation and sport development. The 2008 conference is being held on Hamilton Island on 16-18 October 2008. See: http://www.sma.org.au/ACSMS/2008/program (Source: 'The Active Media Bulletin', August 2008, http://www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/, viewed 18 September 2008.)

22. SUICIDE PREVENTION

Salvation Army launches new suicide prevention services

The Salvation Army recently launched its new Hope for Life campaign which includes an online training program for the general public, training for clergy, chaplains, funeral directors and people working in health, education and emergency services, and a national phone line for people bereaved by suicide. Figures show that one Australian life is lost to suicide every five hours. The Salvation Army's Envoy, Alan Staines, says that the campaign highlights that suicide prevention is everybody's business. The new website at Hope for Life contains full details of the new services and activities. (From Hope for Life media release.) (Source: Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet) website, http://auseinet.flinders.edu.au/noticeboard/ausei90.php, viewed 19 September 2008.)

23. YOUTH AFFAIRS PEAK BODIES

Due to other deadlines, this edition of YFX has been unable to include material of national interest published in the regular newsletters issued by some of Australia's state-based youth peak bodies. Therefore, for excellent youth-related news with a more state-based focus, please see the newsletters and websites of the following youth peak bodies:
ACT: 'YC Ebulletin', issued by the Youth Coalition of the ACT, email: ebulletin@youthcoalition.net
http://www.youthcoalition.net
NSW: 'YAPA Latest', issued by the Youth Action & Policy Association (NSW) Inc., email: info@yapa.org.au
http://www.yapa.org.au
NT: Although it has no website, the Northern Territory Youth Affairs Network can be emailed at: ntyan@darwin.nt.gov.au A tender for proposals for the Provision of the Coordination and Management of the Northern Territory Youth Affairs Network (NTYAN) and Darwin and Rural Workers Working With Youth (DARWWYN) for a period of 36 months was advertised at http://www.nt.gov.au/tenders on 11 September 2008.)
QLD: 'YANQ Email Bulletin', issued by the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland, email: admin@yanq.org.au
http://www.yanq.org.au/
SA: 'YACSA Round', issued by the Youth Affairs Council of South Australia; contact: jennifer@yacsa.com.au
http://www.yacsa.com.au/
TAS: To be placed on their e-mailing list, contact info@ynot.org.au
http://www.ynot.org.au
VIC: 'YACVIC Announce', issued by the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, email: info@yacvic.org.au
http://www.yacvic.org.au/
WA: To be placed on their e-mailing list, contact yacwa@yacwa.org.au
http://www.yacwa.org.au/
There is no news yet on the funding of a national youth peak body for Australia. The website of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC) is at: http://www.ayac.org.au/

24. REMINDER: COMPLETE THE ACYS SURVEY

Please complete our annual survey about ACYS products and services (this newsletter, our journal Youth Studies Australia, website and more). When you do so, you can also put yourself in the running to win a copy of one of our recent books worth $50 ('Sounds of then, sounds of now: Popular music in Australia', or, 'Outrageous! Moral panic in Australia'). The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and closes on 30 September 2008. See: http://tinyurl.com/6q5mgj

Youth Field Xpress September 2008

1. AUSTRALIAN CLEARINGHOUSE FOR YOUTH STUDIES

ACYS news

Feature articles in Youth Studies Australia, September 2008 (v.27, n.3) Values and visions: Youth and the failure of modern Western culture, by Richard Eckersley