Youth Field Xpress February 2008
SORRY
Response to the federal government's national apology to the Stolen Generations given by Tom Calma (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission)
The two national bodies that represent the Stolen Generations and their families, the National Sorry Day Committee and the Stolen Generations Alliance, asked Tom Calma to talk briefly about the importance of the apology in the Australian Parliament on 13 February 2008. Calma said it was "a matter of great sadness that the experiences of the Stolen Generations have been used as a source of division among the Australian community since the release of the 'Bringing them home' report" and added, "Let us feel proud that we are now facing the difficult and dark experiences from our past in order to move forward". He ended his speech by saying, "There is much hope that today's apology can create the impetus for a renewed partnership between the federal government and state and territory governments to fully implement the recommendations of the 'Bringing them home' report. It is timely that the federal government take a leadership role in developing a national process to make this happen. Finally, can I acknowledge the support of the many millions of non-Indigenous Australians who have walked with us on the path of reconciliation and justice, and can I pay tribute to the members of the Stolen Generations, for your incredible resilience, stoicism and dignity in the face of untold suffering". (Source: HREOC website, http://www.humanrights.gov.au, viewed 13 February 2008.)
ABUSE
The vulnerability and victimisation of boys: substantially under-recognised, under-reported
Emeritus Professor Freda Briggs of the University of South Australia is one of Australia's experts on the issue of sexual abuse. In a recent conference paper 'The challenge of protecting boys from sexual abuse', Prof. Briggs uses Australian and international research findings to show that the vulnerability and victimisation of boys is "substantially under-recognised and under-reported, that boys have been disadvantaged by child sexual abuse being regarded as a feminist issue" and that the "child protection curriculum has not yet been developed to meet the special needs of boys" (conference paper presented at the Australian Institute of Criminology conference on 'Improving community safety: lessons from the country and the city' held in Townsville in October 2007). Her paper can be downloaded from the AIC website at: http://www.aic.gov.au/conferences/2007-RegionalComSafety/briggs.html (Source: Australian Policy Online, 24 January 2008, http://www.apo.org.au, viewed 14 February 2008.)
ARTS, MUSIC
Music in Communities Awards Program 2008
This program is Australia's new scheme to reward community music-making, and the search is on for the program and people who've been most successful in building up music-making activities within their community. Entries close on 29 February 2008. The inaugural awards have a prize pool of $20,000 and were launched as part of the Music Council of Australia's national music advocacy campaign. Australia is said to have fewer active music makers per capita than other Western nations, such as the US and the UK, and has an estimated five million 'lapsed' musicians. Community music groups and choirs can provide a 'safe' way for people to re-engage with music. The Music in Communities Awards are being run with the support of the International Music Products Industry Association -- their sponsorship marks the first time the US-based association has given funding to a music advocacy program outside North America. More details at: http://www.musicincommunities.org.au (Source: email, 'ACSSO email digest', 24 January 2008, Australian Council of State School Organisations.)
CALLS FOR PAPERS
Youth and politics: Strange bedfellows?
"Can we really be sure that political involvement among young age groups is declining, or do we simply fail to pick up what is politically and socially relevant to them? How effective are all these efforts to motivate young people? And how can political systems adapt to a growing population that considers political parties and elections as obsolete instruments from the past?" These questions will be at the heart of the discussions during a two-day international conference to be held in Bruges, Belgium on 3-4 July 2008: 'Youth and politics: Strange bedfellows? Comparative perspectives on political socialization'. Proposals are welcomed, both for the plenary sessions and for workshops. Proposals (one page) should be sent before 25 February 2008 to Marc Hooghe at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium (Marc.Hooghe[AT]soc.kuleuven.be). The final program will be available from 15 March 2008. (Source: PEAR (Program in Education, Afterschool and Resiliency), http://www.pearweb.org/index2.html, viewed 14 February 2008, and email list: ESA-YOUTH, posting by Ellen Quintelier.)
CARE AND PROTECTION
Child protection Australia 2006-07
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released this report on 23 January 2008. It provides comprehensive information on state and territory child protection and support services. It contains data for 2006-07, as well as trend data on child protection notifications, investigations and substantiations, children on care and protection orders and children in out-of-home care. Detailed information on the characteristics of children in the child protection system is presented, specifically data on their age, sex and Indigenous status. Full details are at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10566
CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP
USA millennials talk politics: A study of college student civic engagement
Tertiary students in the USA are hungry for "political conversation that is authentic, involves diverse views and is free of manipulation", according to a report released on 7 November 2007 by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. The sample for this study included 386 undergraduate students who participated in 47 focus groups conducted between October 2006 and July 2007 on 12 four-year college campuses across the country. All focus group participants were 18- to 25-year-old undergraduates. Campuses were selected to represent a range of higher education institution types with as much geographic diversity as possible. The report found that the Millennial Generation (those born between 1985 and 2004) are engaged in their communities and feel that engagement is a responsibility. While they accept the importance of being educated, involved citizens, they ignore much of the information available to them on civic issues because of its polarizing and partisan nature, and are easily "turned off" by intensely combative political debate. The report also found that colleges and universities are providing young Americans with very unequal opportunities for civic participation and learning, and that of young Americans aged 18 to 25 years, those not attending college -- roughly half of that age cohort -- "deserve as much focus as college students" and need the kinds of "structured opportunities for civic engagement" that are offered typically by places of learning. The full report can be downloaded as a PDF document from:
http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/CSTP.pdf (6.4 MB; viewed 12 December 2007.)
http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/CSTP.pdf (6.4 MB; viewed 12 December 2007.)
CRIME AND JUSTICE
Maori youth work in Brisbane youth detention centres
A Maori community group in Brisbane has been running a cultural program in youth detention centres as a community-based initiative since 1996. The program uses a Kaupapa Maori approach (see note), where Maori culture, language and dance helps to build resilience and develop leadership. The program provides for mentoring and community connection, as well as undertaking therapeutic work such as help with anger management. The program's Moroni Pugh has written to Youth Field Xpress to say they are keen share their learning experiences with others particularly those working with Indigenous groups. Contact: Moroni Pugh, email: pugh_whanau[AT]optusnet.com.au; also see their weblog:
http://kohanga.wordpress.com/
Note: Details about the Kaupapa Maori approach can be found online, e.g. at: http://tinyurl.com/2cu6qf
http://kohanga.wordpress.com/
Note: Details about the Kaupapa Maori approach can be found online, e.g. at: http://tinyurl.com/2cu6qf
DISABILITY
'Stop to listen: Findings from the ACT Young Carers Research Project'
This research project, funded by the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services through the Carers Recognition Grants Program, sought to discover more about the lived experiences, needs and goals of young carers in the ACT, and to find more responsive and accessible service delivery mechanisms. An article in the January 2008 edition of 'YAPRap', magazine of the Youth Action and Policy Association, outlines the key findings of this project. For details of the project, contact Tim Moore through the Youth Coalition of ACT, ph: (02) 6247 3540 or visit: http://www.youthcoalition.net (Source: 'YAPRap', v.18, n.1, January 2008, pp.9–12.)
DRUGS
Dual Diagnosis DVD
A new, interactive and user-friendly DVD resource has been produced with support from NSW Health and the University of Newcastle. Intended for use by clinicians working with clients who have comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, the DVD follows three clients through many episodes of treatment in a variety of settings. Nested levels of complexity make this a learning tool for both those new to the field and those who have been working in the field for some time. For more information contact: richard.clancy[AT]hnehealth.nsw.gov.au (Source: 'Of Substance', v.6, n.1, 2008, p.6; http://www.ofsubstance.org.au/)
Compulsory treatment: It's not the answer
The issues of drug use, diversion, crime rates and health outcomes recur frequently in the pages of this newsletter. Along those lines, the following article in the January edition of 'Of Substance' is noted here at length. The article outlines the findings of a 2007 report, 'Compulsory treatment in Australia' by Gino Vumbaca, Emma Pritchard, Janette Mugavin and Amy Swan, published by the Australian National Council on Drugs. The ANCD has used the report's findings to highlight that diversion programs can reduce drug use, reduce crime and save millions of dollars, and to encourage governments to substantially increase their support and commitment to these programs. The ANCD reports that earlier evaluations of diversion programs confirm that there is clear evidence that diversion can lead to lower crime rates, lower court and law enforcement costs, and better health outcomes. In response to the 'Compulsory treatment in Australia' report, the ANCD made 12 key recommendations concerning cannabis cautioning schemes, investment in drug and alcohol treatment services, an accreditation system for drug and alcohol treatment programs, criteria for diversion programs, non-government sector representation and more (see: http://www.ancd.org.au/media/media111.htm). (Source: 'Of Substance', v.6, n.1, 2008, p.14; http://www.ofsubstance.org.au/.)
Drugs and the Emergency Response in the Northern Territory
An article published in the latest edition of 'Of Substance' magazine discusses the National Emergency Response aimed at protecting the welfare of Indigenous children. Titled 'From chronic to acute: The Emergency Response in the Northern Territory', this article provides a useful record of developments to date, outlines the aims of the Emergency Response and offers an alcohol and other drugs perspective on the issue. Future issues of 'Of Substance' will continue to track developments related to the Emergency Response and will report on the challenges of this initiative as it is implemented on the ground. The article is followed by an opinion piece on cutting alcohol abuse and violence in Aboriginal communities by Donna Ah Chee, a member of the ANCD National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee. (Source: 'Of Substance', v.6, n.1, 2008, pp.10-13; http://www.ofsubstance.org.au/.)
Barriers and facilitators to cannabis treatment: A National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre project
In 2004, one in three Australians aged 14 years and over had used cannabis at some time in their lives, and one in ten (11 per cent) have used cannabis recently. The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that 1.5 per cent of Australian adults (around 200,000 individuals) met criteria for current cannabis dependence, with withdrawal being the most commonly endorsed symptom. In 2004-2005, the National Minimum Dataset of Clients in Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment reported that around one in five episodes of alcohol and other drug treatment were for a primary cannabis use disorder, constituting 31,044 episodes of care. Australian studies of individuals who presented for brief interventions for cannabis problems have shown that these individuals had used the drug almost daily for an average of 14 years and that by the time they presented to treatment, they were experiencing serious health and psycho-social consequences from their cannabis use.
Given the under-representation of individuals with cannabis related problems in specialist treatment services, and the levels of problems reported at the time of entering treatment, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) believes it is vital to identify the factors that act as barriers to seeking treatment as well as the influences that facilitate entry into treatment. Researchers from NDARC would like to talk to people in the Sydney area who regularly use cannabis, or are in treatment for cannabis use, about ways to improve cannabis treatment services. The interview takes about 30 minutes and is strictly confidential. You will be reimbursed $30 for your time and expenses. To organise an interview time and place please contact Peter at NDARC on 9385 0269 or email cannabisresearch[AT]unsw.edu.au. For those out of the Sydney area please use the internet survey at http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/ (follow the prompts to the cannabis survey). (Source: email Paul Dillon, NDARC, January and February 2008.)
EDUCATION
Sixteen up: School and further education and training plans from the Life Chances Study
The Brotherhood's Life Chances Study is a longitudinal study of children born in 1990 in inner Melbourne. The study, which began with 167 children from very diverse backgrounds including high- and low-income families, looks at the impact of family income as these children grow up. The Life Chances study at age 16 found a preference for university education in the post-school plans of these young people. A similar preference was shown in data from the 2007 Victorian Government 'On Track' survey of 70 per cent of 2006 school leavers: increasing numbers opted for university and decreasing numbers opted for TAFE or vocational training. In the Life Chances study, plans for further study were significantly linked to income and to a number of individual, family and school factors. "The preference for university among these 16-year-olds ... indicates quite an ambitious group. University plans were perhaps surprisingly high among some sub-groups, notably those rating themselves as low academic performers. The next few years will witness these young people's transitions beyond school. Barriers will probably prevent some of the more disadvantaged young people reaching their intended post-school destinations, but as always with the Life Chances Study we will also see examples of their resilience in achieving their plans." (Source: 'Brotherhood Comment', August 2007, pp.6-7.)
EMPLOYMENT
'Girls@Work: Getting a Fair Go'
This resource was developed to help young women, and young people in general, to achieve a fair go in the workplace. The colourful, 60-page A4 booklet addresses issues in the workplace such as bullying, harassment and workplace negotiation, making the resource suitable for educators as well as young people. Besides helping students understand all aspects of employment, the resource will be useful for understanding issues such as harassment. The booklet is also available online at: http://www.yapa.org.au The resource includes a glossary, and each section concludes with questions for classroom use. As with all copyrighted resources, the document may not be used for any commercial or profit-making purposes, but its publishers give specific permission for the resource to be reproduced, distributed and used for educational purposes. (Source: John Ferguson, Policy and Training Officer, Youth Action and Policy Association.)
ETHNIC YOUTH
The 'Multicultural Family Help Kit' by the NSW Transcultural Mental Health Centre
This kit was developed to help people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds recognise the signs of mental health problems in children and young people and seek help early. It provides information on a variety of topics, such as child and adolescent mental health problems, prevention of suicide, challenging behaviours, psychosis, body image and eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, depression, and fears and anxiety. The kit is available online in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Filipino, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Macedonian, Serbian, Spanish, Tongan, Turkish and Vietnamese at: http://www.dhi.gov.au/tmhc/resources/translations.htm
FUNDING, SCHOLARSHIPS
Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships Program
A total of approximately $1.9 million (GST exclusive) has been allocated to this program. The second of two scholarship rounds closes on 3 March 2008. Awards will be announced on 5 May 2008. The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction at Flinders University is coordinating this program, developed as part of the Australian Government's national Comorbidity Initiative. See: http://www.nceta.flinders.edu.au (Source: 'Of Substance', v.6, n.1, 2008, p.19; http://www.ofsubstance.org.au/.)
Queensland: Youth engagement grants close on Monday 10 March 2008
The Queensland Government's Department of Communities has grants totalling $200,000 per year available over two years to support community groups to facilitate regional youth engagement initiatives across Queensland. The grants are to support youth forums that raise awareness of issues faced by young people and youth-led projects to address the needs of young people raised in these forums. Applications must be lodged by 4 pm on Monday 10 March 2008.
For further information and to download application forms and guidelines, visit: http://tinyurl.com/24ymo6. Alternatively, contact Adam Wood at the Office for Youth, ph: (07) 3008 8625.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Child and youth wellbeing
The Foundation for Child Development's Child and Youth Wellbeing Index Project issued its annual update on trends and the quality of life for children and youth in the USA and four English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. Discussion of the index project's 19 key international indicators of child and youth wellbeing is organised into seven domains or areas of life: family economic wellbeing; social relationships (to family and peers); health; safety/behavioural concerns; educational attainments; community connectedness (to educational, economic and political institutions); and emotional wellbeing. More information can be obtained from the complete report, which is available at: http://www.fcd-us.org/usr_doc/2007CWIIntlReport.pdf (viewed 15 February 2008; source: 'Auseinetter', n.29, November – n.2/2007, p.35.)
Hep C Survey
The Hepatitis C Council of Victoria invites submissions to their online survey, "Hepatitis C and Me". Although based in Victoria, they're very interested in the opinions of people from other states. "The purpose of this study is to collect a cross-section of answers and opinions from different groups about what they think about hepatitis C-related issues. We intend to use the answers we receive from this survey to build stronger education and support programs, petition governments for improved services, get a better understanding of how people see hepatitis C issues and to gain some insight into what services may be needed in the future." The survey is online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=spjFd_2bRwx8_2fbUldna5CyUw_3d_3d
Quo vadis with mental health help-seeking: Parents or GP?
"Recent initiatives to extend the uptake of treatment for mental disorders have been centred around GPs as the initial point of help-seeking. Few young people see GPs as a preferred source of help, and action is needed to alter this perception or to reform mental health services to be more attractive to this age group." So reads the conclusion to the article, 'Where to seek help for a mental disorder? National survey of the beliefs of Australian youth and their parents' by Anthony F. Jorm, Annemarie Wright and Amy J. Morgan, in the 'Medical Journal of Australia', v. 10, n.187, pp.556-60 (November 2007.) Full text at: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_10_191107/jor10336_fm.html
Body image issues: effects on youth health and wellbeing
A report following an inquiry in Victoria into young people and body image shows that the issue of body image development, and the effect of negative body image upon young people, is of major importance to the community. The report, 'Inquiry into issues relating to the development of body image among young people and associated effects on their health and wellbeing' (report n.142, Family and Community Development Committee, Parliament of Victoria), is available online at:
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/default.htm
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/default.htm
HOUSING
Supporting the housing of people with complex needs: AHURI project 70311
A recent Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute bulletin which described this project ('AHURI Research & Policy Bulletin', n.90, November 2007) cited a need for "meaningful data on the extent to which people with disability and people with mental illness can access and maintain appropriate housing". It stated that a "greater integration of strategic and forward planning across portfolios – for example, between CSHA outcomes and those of both the Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) and the National Mental health Strategy – would lead to a more cohesive approach to the provision of suitable housing and support". A positioning paper and final report from this project can be found on the AHURI website: http://www.ahuri.edu.au Contact the AHURI National Office on ph: (03) 9660 2300.
INCOMES AND EXPENDITURES
Honey, I calculated the kids ... it's $537,000: Australian child costs in 2007
This is the title of the 18th AMP/NATSEM Income and Wealth Report, released in late 2007, by Richard Percival, Alicia Payne, Ann Harding and Annie Abello of the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM). The report updates the 3rd AMP/NATSEM Income and Wealth Report dated 2002. The 2007 report found that a typical Australian family spends $537,000 on raising two children from birth to 21 years. However, while the sum seems large, the elusive average contemporary family spends 23 per cent of its combined income on the cost of raising children -- the same percentage as it was for a "broadly comparable" family in 2002. The report draws from a broad range of statistical information to provide an insight into the cost of raising children from birth until they leave home for three typical families in low, middle and high income brackets. Details on the NATSEM website at: http://tinyurl.com/2vh8na
Leaving home: What economics has to say
The discussion paper, 'Leaving home: What economics has to say about the living arrangements of young Australians', by Deborah A. Cobb-Clark (Australian National University, Centre for Economic Policy Research, discussion paper n.568, January 2008) reviews the literature on this topic from an economics angle. More than ever, young people in many developed countries are delaying the move towards "residential independence" from their parents. For young adults, co-residence with their parents emerges as an important form of intergenerational support. The paper looks at the extent to which young people rely on this support as they complete their education, enter the labour market and establish themselves as independent adults. The paper gives particular attention to the influence of Australian income support, education, and housing policies on this issue. More at: http://cepr.anu.edu.au/pdf/DP568.pdf (PDF document; viewed 12 February 2008.)
INDIGENOUS YOUTH
Alcohol and drug issues in the Kimberly might lead to another lost generation
In December 2007, renowned surgeon and former Australian of the Year Fiona Stanley gave evidence to a WA inquest into 23 Aboriginal deaths in the Kimberley region of that state. Many of the deaths were suicides linked to alcohol and drugs. Prof. Stanley told the inquiry that failure to address the high rates of foetal alcohol syndrome in Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley could lead to another lost generation, as one in four Indigenous children might have the syndrome. (Source: ABC Radio National, AM program, Tuesday, 18 December 2007;
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2007/s2121421.htm; http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/17/2120994.htm )
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
UK's ultrasonic teenage deterrent cops criticism
Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, the Children's Commissioner for England appointed to represent the views of the country's 11 million children, has set up the "Buzz Off" campaign calling for the banning of the Mosquito device on grounds that it infringes the rights of young people. The Mosquito is a "controversial weapon in the war against antisocial behaviour" used in the UK. The UKPound 500 device emits a high-pitched whine loud enough to drive away teenagers in the vicinity. Marketed as the 'ultrasonic teenage deterrent', it is increasingly being adopted by shopkeepers, local councils and even private homeowners to disperse gangs of young people because it operates on a frequency that can be detected only by under-25s, whose hearing is more acute. Its manufacturers insist they have sought legal advice that it does not contravene human rights, and that very young children are not affected by it. But civil liberties group Liberty say it is a degrading and indiscriminate weapon that targets children in a way that would provoke uproar if it were used against other groups. (Source: 'Observer on Sunday', 10 February 2008, News section, p.5; ABC1 TV news, midday 14 February 2008; 'The Times Online', 12 February 2008, at: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3356157.ece, viewed 14 February 2008.)
Commonwealth youth tackle HIV/AIDS issues
In February, the Commonwealth Youth Programme held the CYP Asia Regional Training Workshop in New Delhi, India on "Youth and HIV/AIDS". Organised by the Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors for Positive Living group, the five-day workshop aimed to highlight how young people can spread awareness of HIV/AIDS and speak out against the stigma and discrimination that sexually transmitted diseases typically attract. See: http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=175299
More on the World Youth Report 2007
The print version of the World Youth Report 2007 (ISBN 13: 9789211302578) was released in February 2008 and is now available on the United Nations Publications page at:
https://unp.un.org/details.aspx?pid=9918 (The report was described in the previous edition of this newsletter.)
https://unp.un.org/details.aspx?pid=9918 (The report was described in the previous edition of this newsletter.)
MEDIA
Department of Veterans' Affairs wins ATOM award for 'Australia and the Vietnam War'
At the annual Enhance TV Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) awards, the DVA received two awards for an interactive education resource for Australian secondary students, 'Australia and the Vietnam War'. The multimedia resource won in the categories best educational multi-modal production and best secondary education resource. See:
http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/commac/studies/aus_and_the_vietnam_war.htm
(Source: Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs, media release, 23 October 2007.)
http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/commac/studies/aus_and_the_vietnam_war.htm
(Source: Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs, media release, 23 October 2007.)
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Council of Australia $40,000 grants and workshops
The Department of Health and Ageing has provided the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) with $6 million to help non-government mental health organisations and other organisations to deliver mental health services. There are two opportunities: one-off grants of up to $40,000, and 14 free, full-day national workshops designed to build stronger organisations.
The MHCA invites applications from a broad range of organisations involved in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, counselling, telephone help lines, family support services, men's services, asylum seeker support, eating disorders, suicide prevention and addiction. Grant application forms and information are online at: http://www.mhca.org.au
Providers of mental health services are invited to attend the MHCA's workshops designed to build smarter and stronger not-for-profit organisations and also better projects -- 14 full-day workshops will be held around the country. For more information, contact Rachelle Irving, email: rachelle.irving[AT]mhca.org.au or ph: (02) 6285 0812. (Source: email, Hootville Communications, 13 February 2008.)
'Mental health promotion and illness prevention in school settings'
This is the first in a series of resources from AUSEINET focusing on 'what we know' about promotion and prevention approaches to mental health for a range of population groups and in a variety of settings. The resource aims to reach 'contexts outside of the mental health sector' in order to underline the importance of promotion and prevention approaches. 'Mental health promotion and illness prevention in school settings' is available online at: http://www.auseinet.com/ppei/schoolprogs.php (Source: 'Auseinetter', n.29, November – n.2/2007, pp.28-31.)
MOVEMENTS, CHANGES, MILESTONES
The director of the Welfare Rights Centre, and president of the National Welfare Rights Network, Michael Raper, has been awarded the Law and Justice Foundation's 2007 Justice Medal for his work advocating for the rights of the underprivileged. (Source: 'rights review', December 2007, p.2.)
After two decades at the helm of the Social Policy Research Centre, Prof. Peter Saunders has retired from his position as director. When Peter was awarded an Australian Professorial Fellowship in 2005, Ilan Katz took on the role of acting director and was appointed director in 2007. (Source: 'SPRC Newsletter', n.97, p.6.)
PARTICIPATION
Queensland Youth Parliament news
Applications for the 2008 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament are open. Like other youth parliaments, the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is an apolitical state-wide program that gives young people aged 15 to 25 the opportunity to speak out about issues important to them. The YMCA is looking for enthusiastic, passionate and committed young people from all kinds of backgrounds to stand up for their communities and to find out what being a parliamentarian is like. One young person will be selected from each electorate in Queensland to represent their community's issues. Youth members from across the state will gather in Brisbane in April and July to discuss youth issues and begin writing youth bills to be debated in Parliament House. Applications close on Friday 22 February. Nominations can be submitted via mail, fax or online: see: http://www.ymcaqyp.org (Source: email, Youth Parliament Coordinator, Queensland, 8 February 2008.)
YMCA Youth Parliaments occur in every state of Australia – contact each state for more information via: http://www.nyp.ymca.org.au/
REFUGEE YOUTH
Good Starts
The Good Starts Study is a longitudinal ethnographic study that examines the social determinants of health and wellbeing for newly arrived refugee youth during settlement. A series of broadsheets have been developed to provide descriptive information from the Good Starts Study around specific topics. The broadsheets form part of the study dissemination strategy and can be used for policy advocacy, training and professional development. For more information about the study and copies of the broadsheets, see: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/rhrc/refugee_youth.html (Source: email, Christine Bakopanos, Refugee Health Research Centre, La Trobe University, 1 February 2008.)
RURAL YOUTH
'Youth allowance and regional young people: Access to tertiary education'
This project was jointly funded by Monash University, the Centre for Rural Social Research, the Foundation for Young Australians and the University of Western Australia. The research aimed to examine the impact of Youth Allowance policy on regional Australians' participation in tertiary education, and to air participants' recommendations for improving the policy. While regional Australians comprise 36 per cent of the nation's population, only 17 per cent of university students are from regional areas. The study's key research question was 'What is the impact of the eligibility criteria for Youth Allowance on regional young people who must leave home for tertiary education?'. A report on the project, by Naomi Godden of the Institute for Land, Water and Society at Charles Sturt University is available in PDF format at: http://tinyurl.com/2owk85
Naomi Godden's report cites strict eligibility criteria for Youth Allowance as being responsible for a discriminatory barrier to tertiary education for regional youth. The December 2007 edition of 'Yikes', newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, also describes this report, and adds that YACVic, in partnership with 12 rural and regional LLENs (local learning employment networks) is embarking on a study to find out why so many rural youth in Victoria are deferring their university study. For details, see 'Yikes', newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, v. 5, n.6, December 2007, or contact YACVic, ph: 03 9267 3799 or (toll-free) 1300 727 176 or email: info[AT]yacvic.org.au; http://www.yacvic.org.au
Heywire is in Canberra this week
The ABC's rural youth program, Heywire, is in Canberra this week presenting its 10th annual youth issues forum. Fifty young people from rural, regional and remote locations from across Australia will be sharing their stories and vision for the future. As part of the week's activities, the Heywire team are blogging live on the web from Canberra with pictures, words, videos and more. See: http://blogs.abc.net.au/heywire (viewed 14 February 2008).
SAFETY, DRIVING
Drug driving
In October 2007, the Australian Drug Foundation, along with funding partner AAMI, hosted a drugs and driving forum and launched the research report, 'Drugs and driving in Australia'. The research report was compiled by the ADF's Centre for Youth Drug Studies in partnership with the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. The report examines the issue of driving and drugs (illicit and pharmaceutical drugs, and alcohol). The ADF intends to make accessible information and education about drugs and driving a priority for 2008.) (Source: Australian Drug Foundation, 'Annual Review 2007', p.7.)
SOCIAL RESEARCH
Towards new indicators of disadvantage project
'SPRC Bulletin', n.3: Towards new indicators of disadvantage project: 'Social exclusion in Australia' by Peter Saunders is the third in a series on the findings of the 'Left Out and Missing Out: Towards New Indicators of Disadvantage' project, funded by the Australian Research Council. The results of the project provide "the first comprehensive picture of the extent of social exclusion in Australia. They reveal a disturbing picture of widespread exclusion, and a heavy concentration of its specific forms among the subgroups known to be disadvantaged in other dimensions". Previous bulletins about the project have examined community views on the essentials of life ('SPRC Bulletin', n.1) and the scale and scope of deprivation in Australia ('SPRC Bulletin', n.2). The 'Left Out and Missing Out' project arises from a collaboration between the SPRC and Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, ACOSS and Anglicare (Diocese of Sydney). The project report, 'Towards New Indicators of Disadvantage: Deprivation and Social Exclusion in Australia' was released in November 2007 and can be downloaded from the SPRC website: http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au (Source: 'SPRC Newsletter', n. 97, p.7 and p.10.)
STATISTICS
ABS seeks comments for the 2011 census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics invites submissions about the content and procedures for the next population census, expected to be held in August 2011. Submissions can be lodged online, by email or in hardcopy. The submission form and guidelines are available from the ABS website at: http://www.abs.gov.au/2011censusviews Forms should be submitted by 31 March 2008. (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, media release, 13 November 2007.)
CensusAtSchool
The "questionnaire phase" of CensusAtSchool, an initiative of the Australian Bureau of Statistics that aims to improve statistical literacy, is open from 29 January to 7 July 2008. CensusAtSchool 's learning possibilities reach "far beyond mathematics", providing students with a unique opportunity to use "real, raw data to make sense of the world around them and to see where they fit". The program helps students to become aware of different lifestyles around the world, builds and strengthens their ICT skills, and most of all, "engages students and makes data interesting, paving the way for student-led investigations". In the program, students answer questions on a range of topics, such as the environment, use of technology, leisure activities and eating habits. There are reaction time games and a concentration game within its cross-curricular content. A set of international questions allow Australian students to compare their data with others internationally. New additions include questions on financial literacy, health and wellbeing, and hours of sleep. The opportunity for comparisons between the 2006 and 2008 data and the introduction of a time series element increase the program's analysis possibilities. Activities based on 2008 CensusAtSchool data will be available after July 2008, but activities for the classroom are updated periodically throughout the year, using 2006 data. For details contact the ABS Education Services, CensusAtSchool Team by email: censusatschool[AT]abs.gov.au or on free call 1800 623 273 (office hours, Monday to Friday).
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Mindframe resource for stage and screen
The Mindframe Stage and Screen project is managed by a partnership between the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, the Australian Writers' Guild and SANE Australia, in collaboration with a team of nine Australian scriptwriters. The purpose of the project is to give scriptwriters for film and drama some key issues to consider when the themes of mental illness or suicide occur in their storylines. The project also hopes to help create authentic and compelling portrayals by providing up-to-date mental health information about, and contact with, people who have real life experience of mental illness. Besides disseminating the resources at conferences and workshops, the project team have sent out booklets to over 2,000 Australian writers. For more information or to order a copy of the resource, visit http://www.mindframe-media.info and select 'Resources for Stage & Screen'. (Source: 'Auseinetter', n.29, November – n.2/2007, p.24.)
Living beyond suicide: training, Adelaide
Anglicare South Australia is offering training for volunteers who can offer free practical and emotional support to families in the hours, days and weeks after a suicide. For details of their March and April training dates, see: http://www.anglicare-sa.org.au/lbs or contact Ali Laslett on (08) 8301 4200; email: lbs[AT]anglicare-sa.org.au
TECHNOLOGY
The next generation's expectations of information and communication technology (ICT) education
The report of the 'Put the hard word on 'em' campaign of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework discusses the results of a national survey of over 900 teenagers' expectations of information and communication technology (ICT) education. The "Put the hard word on 'em" campaign was developed by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, the national training system's e-learning strategy, as part of a move to ensure that the system meets the demands of 21st century learners. The campaign encouraged 15- to 19-year-olds to ask about flexible learning options when they were making choices about where to study after leaving school. The campaign also aimed to inform providers of education and training of the next generation's expectations of e-learning. An integral part of campaign was an online survey that collected data about young people's use of ICT at home and school, and about their expectations of ICT when they reached higher education and training. The campaign, rolled out to schools and school counsellors across the country, was heavily promoted at state and territory careers and employment expos. See PDF document at: http://tinyurl.com/yu9w8b
TRANSITIONS
Youth voice: Peer research into youth transitions
This is a report of an action-research project, by Peter Kellock of the Asquith Group. The project was developed by Victoria's Youth Collaboration, a broad coalition of youth agencies, and it was designed to show how feedback from young people could lead to an improved understanding of young people's experiences of the transition from school to work. Besides providing the results of that research, the report is useful for its details about the peer research model used, where nine young people, supported by a professional researcher, obtained the views of their peers within three communities about their experiences of transitions. Copies of the report are available from the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic), ph: 03 9267 3799 or (toll-free) 1300 727 176 or email: info[AT]yacvic.org.au; http://www.yacvic.org.au (Source: 'Connect', n.168, December 2007, p.19; 'Yikes', newsletter of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic), v.5, n.6, pp.12-13, December 2007.)
TRANSPORT
No way to go: Transport as a cause of social exclusion
'No way to go' is a book that raises issues in regard to transport disadvantage and social exclusion in Australia. It results from a collaboration by the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL), the Monash University Institute of Transport Studies and the Bus Association of Victoria. These three partners, along with the Victorian Department of Infrastructure and others, are currently undertaking a comprehensive study titled, 'Investigating transport disadvantage, social exclusion and well-being in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria'. This Australian Research Council-funded project will compare the mobility needs and travel and activity patterns of disadvantaged and advantaged Victorians and investigate links between these patterns and access to transport. The research will establish whether or not poor access to transport is a cause of social exclusion and disadvantage. Materials resulting from the project will be made available on the BSL website and the Social Research in Transport Clearinghouse, at: http://www.sortclearinghouse.info For more information, contact: Victoria Johnson, email: vjohnson[AT]bsl.org.au (Source: 'Brotherhood Comment', August 2007, p.11.)
VIOLENCE
The December and January editions of 'YAPRap', the magazine of the Youth Action and Policy Association of NSW, have featured articles on 'Domestic and family violence: Not just an adult issue'. Part 1 focused on the dynamics of domestic and family violence in young people's intimate relationships. Part 2, in the current issue of 'YAPRap', focuses on the specific impact on adolescents of domestic and family violence in the home. (Source: 'YAPRap', v.18, n.1, January 2008.)
Adolescent violence to parents
The Inner South Community Health Service (ISCHS), based in Melbourne, has received federal government funding through the Women's Safety Agenda for the 'It All Starts At Home' project, which aims to help parents who experience abuse and violence from their adolescent children. The project will examine the issue of adolescent violence and will produce a parenting resource card. A small research project exploring the causes and impact of adolescent abuse and violence to parents will be undertaken. The one-year project began in July 2007. For details, contact the ISCHS Information and Referral Service on (03) 9690 9144 or (03) 9525 0981.
Twice a year, the ISCHS conducts Who's The Boss, a groupwork program for parents living with violent adolescents. The program focuses on safety and on making the young person accountable for their violence, and provides support, information and parenting advice for parents living in the inner south region of Melbourne. (Source: 'Australian Domestic & Family Violence Clearinghouse Newsletter', n.30.)
VOLUNTEERING, SERVICE
USA national service agenda on the cards
In December, USA Democratic Presidential Candidate Barak Obama announced his bold and robust national service agenda, proclaiming it a cause for his presidency if he is elected. His plan is outlined at: http://www.icicp.org/index.php?tg=articles&idx=More&topics=379&article=845 (viewed 14 February 2008).
Service-Learning in the USA
Originating in Minnesota in 1989, the National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of those involved in the service-learning movement, and usually attracts nearly 3,000 delegates from around the world. The conference focuses on "service-learning as a way of teaching and learning that builds academic skills and citizenship while addressing community needs in a genuine way". The 19th conference theme is 'Youth for change' and will be held in Minneapolis on 9-12 April 2008. See:
https://programs.regweb.com/metro/NYLC2008/index.cfm
https://programs.regweb.com/metro/NYLC2008/index.cfm
YOUTH AFFAIRS
Northern Territory: Young Territorians' recommendations for government
In the NT, the Youth Minister's 'Round Table for Young Territorians' acts as a link between young people and the NT Government, and as a voice for the concerns and issues of NT youth. A major component of this round table's work is its community-based project role in researching issues that affect young Territorians at either the state or regional level. Community-based projects produced by that round table are now available. The topics explored by the 2007 round table included mental health education in schools, the proposed youth curfew in Alice Springs, creative ways to educate youth about drugs and alcohol, combating cane toads, male role models, and appropriate services for young Aboriginal mothers in Tennant Creek. "The work undertaken by the 2007 round table was an amazing effort. Members consulted with over 1,500 young people in the course of their project research, and with 100 more throughout the year", according to Nathan Frick, 2007 chairperson for the NT round table. Government is now reviewing the reports, which are available at: http://www.youth.nt.gov.au (Source: email, Nathan Frick.)
NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK
As part of National Youth Week five talent competitions will be held to unearth Australia's youngest and most dynamic musicians, writers, film-makers, designers and photographers. Entries close at 5 pm on 14 April 2008. The competitions are:
* RockIT: Write and record an original piece no longer than five minutes that incorporates the theme 'Make a Move'
* WriteIT: The theme is look for signs of depression, listen to your friends experiences, talk about what's going on and seek help together. Using this message compose a piece of creative writing in the form of a short story , film script or poem of no more than 1500 words
* ShootIT: Shoot a two and a half minute short film about what can happen in a young person's life when they are smart with their money
* DesignIT: Create a digital static design that incorporates the them 'Make a Move'
* SnapIT: Snap a photo that incorporates the theme 'Action and adventure in the outdoors'
YOUTH WORK
A code of ethical practice for Victorian youth workers
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) describe this newly launched code in their December 2007 newsletter, 'Yikes' (v.5, n.6). It's the first-ever code for the Victorian youth sector and outlines the key youth work principles and practice responsibilities for youth workers, based on a human rights framework. For details, contact YACVic, ph: 03 9267 3799 or (toll-free) 1300 727 176 or email: info[AT]yacvic.org.au; http://www.yacvic.org.au
MORE YOUTH-RELATED NEWS
... from Australia's youth peaks
Most of Australia's state-based non-government youth peak bodies produce a newsletter for their members containing news updates. Excellent examples include the e-bulletin from the Youth Coalition of the ACT, and 'Yikes' from the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria. A list of the youth peak bodies, giving their current contact details, is maintained on the Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies website at:
http://www.acys.info/directory/organisations/state_organisations While the peak bodies' newsletters might focus on youth work, they also include items of interest to researchers, and wherever possible this newsletter will try to bring such items to readers' attention without being repetitive.
http://www.acys.info/directory/organisations/state_organisations While the peak bodies' newsletters might focus on youth work, they also include items of interest to researchers, and wherever possible this newsletter will try to bring such items to readers' attention without being repetitive.
...about events
The Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies website has had an online events calendar for many years, covering conferences, symposia and workshops of interest to those who work with youth. Have a look at:
http://www.acys.info/events
http://www.acys.info/events
... your news
Thank you to those who contribute news to this newsletter, it all helps make it both interesting and useful for readers. Please keep your contributions coming in. Deadline: 10th of each month.
... The AYIN e-list
In between editions of this newsletter, you can stay current with news in the youth field by subscribing to the email discussion list, AYIN. The AYIN e-list moderator is Anne Hugo, editor of this newsletter. To subscribe to the AYIN list, send a blank email to: join-ayin@edna.edu.au AYIN list will shortly have a blog with an rss feed, for those who want their news delivered that way.