Outcomes for Participants in Youth Development Programs: A report of a three-year longitudinal study carried out by the Australian Youth Research Centre
A report on the outcomes for participants in youth development programs in Australia was launched earlier in March at the National Conference on Volunteering in Melbourne. The project began in late 2001, and the report is the result of a three-year longitudinal study carried out by the Australian Youth Research Centre, which was contracted by the Australian Government to undertake the research. The study examined the benefits of youth development programs, including the range of practice models used to produce effective outcomes for young people in terms of both their self-development and their connection with the community. The study also explored students' expectations of youth development activities, their attitudes and skills, and how these change over the period of their participation in the programs.
The study found that young people who participate in youth development programs acquire skills, knowledge and confidence, and develop teamwork skills. It also found that the youth development programs which were most effective were those which involved 'hands-on' activities and work for the community. Programs that demonstrated a partnership between the school and the provider, and allowed young people to participate in planning, achieved the best outcomes.
There are two versions of the final report:
1.
'Doing Positive Things: "You have to go and do it": Outcomes for Participants in Youth Development Programs' presents the findings succinctly, and is available both in hard copy and online.
2.
'Technical Report: Outcomes for participants in youth development programs' is available online only. It includes a fuller description of the project methodology and a more detailed analysis of data.
Note that to obtain a hard copy of this report, contact the Youth Bureau in Canberra, email bob.griffiths[AT]facs.gov.au or phone him at: (02) 6212 9419. [Text modified 11 November 2006].
For download options see: http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/content/development_programs.htm
Source: Youth Field Xpress, March 2006, and update, April 2006.