Groups in Context - Youth
Exploring the Four Specific Groups within the Community
Prevalence of each group within the community
Today, youth account for almost 20 per cent of Australia’s total population, with males comprising 51.3 per cent and females 48.7 per cent of the total group. This equates to over 4.2 million persons. With trends in fertility and lowered birth rates, it is anticipated that youth will account for less than 18 per cent of the population in 2020 (Mccrindle Research, 2013). (Note that, in Australia, government and non-government organisations (NGOs) sometimes expand the definition to include 12–25 year-olds).
Individual diversity within each group
- 92% female youth - 64% male youth in tertiary education
- Similar percentage of both genders unemployed (male - 12%, female - 11%)
- Similar percentage of both genders activity engaged in the labour force (male - 70%, female - 67%)
- Cohabitating (de-facto/same-sex) relationship currently an increasing trend (male - 91%, female - 88%)
- 1-5 Australians were born overseas and speak a language other than English
- Indigenous youth have further needs and can impact on their wellbeing
- 1-100 young people are homeless.
- Per 1000 youth, 12 are becoming young mothers.
- Many individuals within this group are attending school or university, undertaking other training, or beginning a career through an entry level job.
- Youth have high workforce participation rates, with part-time being the predominant work pattern. Ninety-two per cent of female youth, and 64 per cent of male youth are enrolled in tertiary education;
- 11 per cent of females and 12 per cent of males are unemployed; and 67 per cent of females and 70 percent of males are actively engaged in the labour force (Population Reference Bureau [PRB], 2013).
- Some youth have had their own children and are involved in family life. In 2013, the adolescent fertility rate (or births per 1000 women aged 15–19) was cited as 12 per 1000 women (PRB, 2013). In 2011, 87.7 per cent of partnered women aged 15–19, and 91 per cent of partnered men aged 15–19 were in a cohabitating relationship. This appears to be an increasing trend (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2011).
- Similar percentage of both genders unemployed (male - 12%, female - 11%)
- Similar percentage of both genders activity engaged in the labour force (male - 70%, female - 67%)
- Cohabitating (de-facto/same-sex) relationship currently an increasing trend (male - 91%, female - 88%)
- 1-5 Australians were born overseas and speak a language other than English
- Indigenous youth have further needs and can impact on their wellbeing
- 1-100 young people are homeless.
- Per 1000 youth, 12 are becoming young mothers.
- Many individuals within this group are attending school or university, undertaking other training, or beginning a career through an entry level job.
- Youth have high workforce participation rates, with part-time being the predominant work pattern. Ninety-two per cent of female youth, and 64 per cent of male youth are enrolled in tertiary education;
- 11 per cent of females and 12 per cent of males are unemployed; and 67 per cent of females and 70 percent of males are actively engaged in the labour force (Population Reference Bureau [PRB], 2013).
- Some youth have had their own children and are involved in family life. In 2013, the adolescent fertility rate (or births per 1000 women aged 15–19) was cited as 12 per 1000 women (PRB, 2013). In 2011, 87.7 per cent of partnered women aged 15–19, and 91 per cent of partnered men aged 15–19 were in a cohabitating relationship. This appears to be an increasing trend (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2011).
Terminology used by the community to describe the group
Positive youth terminology
- Kid - Youngster - Young lady - Honey - Sweetie |
Negative youth terminology
- Thugs - Twelvie - Kid - Druggies - Hobo - Homo - Gay - Loser - Idiot - Grommets |
Discuss the impact you think terminology has on the youth.
Positive -
- Positive terminology (such as ‘young lady’) can allow youth individuals to be raise their self-esteem or level of recognition, as they are receiving positive encouragement in regards to either their behaviour and appearance.
- Utilising positive terminology when referring to young people as a whole allows the individuals included in this group to feel more accepted, not forced to be a part of a group that does not reflect on their own personality or behaviour, for instance, referring to young people as ‘young people’ with positive connotations makes these individuals feel included in a group that makes them proud, as opposed to referring to young people as ‘delinquents’, which would have the opposite effect
- Positive terminology allows young people to feel like they have something to live up to, such as if a young girl is referred to as ‘young lady’ they may feel as though they need to live up to the term and encourage themselves to behave well
Negative -
- Terminology can be used to raise self esteem or lower it. If an individual calls a youth a derogatory term such as ‘loser’ or ‘kid’ it can negatively affect a young person as it is being used in a derogatory form.
- Using terms like those can make young people act worse by ‘living down’ to the terms given to them, though they could be capable of doing much better with their life
Positive -
- Positive terminology (such as ‘young lady’) can allow youth individuals to be raise their self-esteem or level of recognition, as they are receiving positive encouragement in regards to either their behaviour and appearance.
- Utilising positive terminology when referring to young people as a whole allows the individuals included in this group to feel more accepted, not forced to be a part of a group that does not reflect on their own personality or behaviour, for instance, referring to young people as ‘young people’ with positive connotations makes these individuals feel included in a group that makes them proud, as opposed to referring to young people as ‘delinquents’, which would have the opposite effect
- Positive terminology allows young people to feel like they have something to live up to, such as if a young girl is referred to as ‘young lady’ they may feel as though they need to live up to the term and encourage themselves to behave well
Negative -
- Terminology can be used to raise self esteem or lower it. If an individual calls a youth a derogatory term such as ‘loser’ or ‘kid’ it can negatively affect a young person as it is being used in a derogatory form.
- Using terms like those can make young people act worse by ‘living down’ to the terms given to them, though they could be capable of doing much better with their life
Issues of Concern for the Four Specific Groups within the Community
Satisfaction of Needs
Specific needs of each group
Note:
Specific Needs = (SHESEA)
Safety and Security (S)
Health (H)
Education (E)
Sense of Identity (S)
Employment (E)
Adequate Standard of Living (A)
Specific Needs = (SHESEA)
Safety and Security (S)
Health (H)
Education (E)
Sense of Identity (S)
Employment (E)
Adequate Standard of Living (A)
Education
Education is critically important for employment. Experiences in education can greatly contribute to a young individual’s self-esteem and sense of identity, however, some may have problems at school and develop a negative outlook of themselves. If individuals do not have a satisfactory level of education, it will limit possible employment or tertiary opportunities in the future
Sense of identity
A young person’s sense of identity can be affected by their involvement in school activities, any employment involved in and their academic/sporting ability. However when a young individual leaves school, it provides them with the opportunity to reshape their identity as some schools have structures that previously restricted them to express their own individuality such as school rules or the needs of the parents permission
Adequate standard of living (food, clothing, shelter)
Young individuals who are not time-efficient may make poor food choices as a result of convenience; even though there are dietary guidelines that have been developed for adolescents and youth some may develop eating disorders, which can negatively impact on their own ability to meet this particular need. Clothing choices are affected by the need to fit within a group and conform by wearing certain brands and styles
Safety and security
While the individual may be in adequate housing, safety and security, particularly mental safety and security, is essential if the individual is going to be able to sustain peak health conditions as, without feeling safe and/or secure, the individual’s anxiety prevents them from being entirely physically and mentally healthy
Health
As mentioned, full health cannot be achieved without first feeling safe and secure. Once this is achieved, employment is unattainable if the individual is not at full health to complete the tasks set to them, and so it cannot be fulfilled prior to fulfilling health requirements
Employment
While for many young people, employment is an essential part of ensuring an adequate standard of living for themselves as their family is unable to fully provide for them, this can be remedied through familial informal or government formal assistance, e.g. Centrelink supplements, rather than the youth of the family needing employment. Though many young people are employed, this is more to satisfy wants rather than needs, which are covered by their parent/s/guardian/s
Access to Services
Types of services, eg financial support, transport, accommodation and housing, health care, counselling, education, employment, legal aid
Note:
Types of Services = (FATLEECH)
Financial (F)
Accommodation (A)
Transport (T)
Legal aid (L)
Education (E)
Employment (E)
Counselling (C)
Healthcare (H)
Types of Services = (FATLEECH)
Financial (F)
Accommodation (A)
Transport (T)
Legal aid (L)
Education (E)
Employment (E)
Counselling (C)
Healthcare (H)
Service
|
Positive Wellbeing
|
Implication
|
Financial Support Services
Centrelink |
By Centrelink providing youth allowance for individuals that are eligible and who study or train it has a positive impact on the individual's economic wellbeing.
|
If a young person is not eligible for youth allowance, they may have to study and work at the same time and their studies may suffer.
|
Accommodation
Nepean Youth Accommodation Service |
This service provides semi-supported living, particularly for young males and young families or pregnant families as these are the people who are less likely to seek assistance for themselves and are in the most need of assistance. This will therefore improve these individuals’ physical and emotional wellbeing as they have safe housing that is sanitary, and they have less to worry about in terms of where they will be sleeping each night
|
If these young people cannot access these services they may end up living in an abusive or unsafe household with their families or they could be kicked out of the house for some reason, leaving them on the streets. Other implications may be that they are living in accommodation they can barely afford and is sub-par in terms of adequacy and safety for these youth
|
Transport
Public Transport |
By public transportation providing free or concession discounts for youth, it has a positive impact on the individual's economic wellbeing to transport easily and fast to various other services to satisfy their needs
|
If a young person is not able to access this service, they may not have the ability to receive any further services to satisfy their needs and their entire wellbeing can depreciate over time if they have no transport available to get there
|
Legal Aid
Youth Hotline |
The Youth Hotline provides legal advice and information to young people under 18, and operates 9am to midnight weekdays, with a 24-hour service from Friday 9am to Sunday midnight and also on public holidays.
|
If this service is not accessible, it can impact negatively on an individual's wellbeing as stress may increase due to no access available and finances increase
|
Employment
Mission Australia |
By Young Mission Australia providing guidances and advice in regards to employment as they have the potential to change youth lives and can make the difference to an individual’s health and wellbeing, financial situation and even impact their social and family life.
|
If this service is not accessible to youth individuals, it can lead to low employment opportunities during or after school as these individuals may have not taken up the options of receiving crucial information and knowledge from their careers advisors
|
Education
Public School System |
The public schooling system is a service provided by the Australian Government that ensures all children receive an education, allowing them to comply to the law, which can positively impact upon their future economic wellbeing as they will be better able to gain employment with the qualifications they receive from attending education.
|
If this need is not met, many youth would be unable to find employment, which not only decreases economic wellbeing but also physical, as they cannot afford to meet needs later in life and emotional, as they will be constantly on edge about their financial situation. This will leave them with a poor quality of life and perhaps premature passing.
|
Counselling
Youth Focus |
This service offers counselling, particularly for depressed youth, which positively impacts upon the youth’s emotional wellbeing as they are able to overcome and fight their depression, but it also can improve physical wellbeing as many depressed individuals neglect their health and can become anorexic, bulimic, obese, or may cause themselves physical harm such as cutting themselves
|
Without access to this service, youth, particularly depressed youth, may have no access to counselling and can result in death from physically harming themselves or from any other physical implications of their depression such as anorexia, bulimia or obesity.
|
Healthcare
Medicare |
By Medicare providing financial help for people age 16-24 who are currently studying full-time , apprenticeship, traineeship, looking for work or sick, this can have a positive impact on the individual’s physical/economic wellbeing as they have a higher chance of receiving allowances to help financially but also receive physical help in regards to their health with the Medicare Card
|
If a young person is unable to access these services, they may have their health decrease dramatically if not receiving the certain health care needed whilst also financially unstable if looking for employment after fired/redundant
|
Factors affecting access to services
Characteristics of individuals within the group, eg age, gender, level of education, culture, type of disability, first language spoken, socioeconomic status
Note:
Characteristics = (CALFSTooGood)
Culture (C)
Age (A)
Level of Education (L)
First Language Spoken (F)
Socioeconomic Status (S)
Type of Disability (T)
Gender (G)
Characteristics = (CALFSTooGood)
Culture (C)
Age (A)
Level of Education (L)
First Language Spoken (F)
Socioeconomic Status (S)
Type of Disability (T)
Gender (G)
Age
- For many youth, age may prevent them from having knowledge of the services available to them.
- While discrimination laws clearly state that individuals shall not be discriminated against on the basis of age (along with other factors), many youth may find that their age prevents them from securing a role of greater responsibility, obtaining adequate accommodation or even having their opinion respected.
- Their age may mean that they do not possess the skills required for a job but, at the same time, they are not given the opportunities to acquire the skills because of their age.
Q: From the information above name the services that age can affect the access to. Employment services, accommodation services, legal aid services.
Gender
- Males are less likely to seek help when confronted with physical or mental health issues. While this situation is changing slightly, it is still one of the greatest reasons for youth not accessing services.
- The inclusion of male staff in service agencies works to create an environment where males feel more comfortable seeking assistance. Nevertheless, often-stereotypical beliefs about males being ‘stronger’ people heighten males’ sense of inadequacy and uselessness when asking for help.
- Young women may also feel uncomfortable if they are confronted by behaviour that they perceive to be aggressive or humiliating. This may reduce the likelihood that they will seek help from the services offered.
Q. From the information above name the services that gender can affect the access to.
Accommodation services, Health services, employment services.
Level of education
- In many cases, level of education is directly correlated with a youth’s ability to obtain employment. If a job provides only a low level of pay, this again limits the youth’s opportunity to better their situation through further education.
- A low level of education may also present in lowered self-esteem and lack of self worth.
- If a youth believes they are not worthy, or ‘too dumb’,this may further discourage them from accessing services. And so the cycle continues, unless the youth is able to access educational opportunities through community services, such as training programs run through Youth off the Streets.
Q. From the information above name the services that level of education can affect the access to.
Employment services, Counselling services
Culture and first language spoken
- Cultural background may also be an issue in relation to accessing services, especially if language is a barrier to effective communication.
- Language proficiency may prevent youth from obtaining employment, either because of discrimination or low self-esteem.
- Cultural belief systems that say women do not need to be educated, and a related lack of motivation to be educated, may each be factors that stop female youth from accessing services.
- An absence of culturally appropriate assistance may also be a factor in youth not accessing services.
Q. From the information above name the services that culture and first language spoken can affect the access to.
Financial services, employment services, education services, accommodation services.
Type of disability
- Disability, be it physical, intellectual, psychological or sensory, may cause youth to feel uncomfortable accessing services.
- Again, while human rights clearly advocate anti-discrimination, sadly discrimination does still happen.
- Taunting language and negative body language, coupled with a lack of appropriate disabled services and facilities, may make access even more difficult. Thus, a youth with a disability may choose to not use the services available.
Q. From the information above name the services that a type of disability can affect the access to.
Accommodation services, employment services, education services, financial services.
Socioeconomic status
- Some services may be unaffordable for some youth; for example, driving lessons, golf or skiing.
- While there are a significant number of ‘free’ services available to youth, many struggle economically and are unable to leave their employment to access these services.
- A lower socioeconomic status may also lower a youth’s self-esteem to the point that they are too embarrassed to seek help, and they sink further into depression.
- For other youth, travelling to service facilities is limited by their inability to pay for transport.
- For rural youth who are more often than not at the mercy of Australia’s erratic weather patterns and ever-present floods, fire and famine, the impact of socioeconomic status is a very significant limiting factor.
Q. From the information above name the services that socioeconomic status can affect the access to.
Education services, Health care services, Accomodation services, Counselling services.
- For many youth, age may prevent them from having knowledge of the services available to them.
- While discrimination laws clearly state that individuals shall not be discriminated against on the basis of age (along with other factors), many youth may find that their age prevents them from securing a role of greater responsibility, obtaining adequate accommodation or even having their opinion respected.
- Their age may mean that they do not possess the skills required for a job but, at the same time, they are not given the opportunities to acquire the skills because of their age.
Q: From the information above name the services that age can affect the access to. Employment services, accommodation services, legal aid services.
Gender
- Males are less likely to seek help when confronted with physical or mental health issues. While this situation is changing slightly, it is still one of the greatest reasons for youth not accessing services.
- The inclusion of male staff in service agencies works to create an environment where males feel more comfortable seeking assistance. Nevertheless, often-stereotypical beliefs about males being ‘stronger’ people heighten males’ sense of inadequacy and uselessness when asking for help.
- Young women may also feel uncomfortable if they are confronted by behaviour that they perceive to be aggressive or humiliating. This may reduce the likelihood that they will seek help from the services offered.
Q. From the information above name the services that gender can affect the access to.
Accommodation services, Health services, employment services.
Level of education
- In many cases, level of education is directly correlated with a youth’s ability to obtain employment. If a job provides only a low level of pay, this again limits the youth’s opportunity to better their situation through further education.
- A low level of education may also present in lowered self-esteem and lack of self worth.
- If a youth believes they are not worthy, or ‘too dumb’,this may further discourage them from accessing services. And so the cycle continues, unless the youth is able to access educational opportunities through community services, such as training programs run through Youth off the Streets.
Q. From the information above name the services that level of education can affect the access to.
Employment services, Counselling services
Culture and first language spoken
- Cultural background may also be an issue in relation to accessing services, especially if language is a barrier to effective communication.
- Language proficiency may prevent youth from obtaining employment, either because of discrimination or low self-esteem.
- Cultural belief systems that say women do not need to be educated, and a related lack of motivation to be educated, may each be factors that stop female youth from accessing services.
- An absence of culturally appropriate assistance may also be a factor in youth not accessing services.
Q. From the information above name the services that culture and first language spoken can affect the access to.
Financial services, employment services, education services, accommodation services.
Type of disability
- Disability, be it physical, intellectual, psychological or sensory, may cause youth to feel uncomfortable accessing services.
- Again, while human rights clearly advocate anti-discrimination, sadly discrimination does still happen.
- Taunting language and negative body language, coupled with a lack of appropriate disabled services and facilities, may make access even more difficult. Thus, a youth with a disability may choose to not use the services available.
Q. From the information above name the services that a type of disability can affect the access to.
Accommodation services, employment services, education services, financial services.
Socioeconomic status
- Some services may be unaffordable for some youth; for example, driving lessons, golf or skiing.
- While there are a significant number of ‘free’ services available to youth, many struggle economically and are unable to leave their employment to access these services.
- A lower socioeconomic status may also lower a youth’s self-esteem to the point that they are too embarrassed to seek help, and they sink further into depression.
- For other youth, travelling to service facilities is limited by their inability to pay for transport.
- For rural youth who are more often than not at the mercy of Australia’s erratic weather patterns and ever-present floods, fire and famine, the impact of socioeconomic status is a very significant limiting factor.
Q. From the information above name the services that socioeconomic status can affect the access to.
Education services, Health care services, Accomodation services, Counselling services.
Resources, eg time, money, energy, knowledge
Note:
Resources = (KMET) (Like Kmart)
Knowledge (K)
Money (M)
Energy (E)
Time (T)
Resources = (KMET) (Like Kmart)
Knowledge (K)
Money (M)
Energy (E)
Time (T)
Time
Youth are often on both ends of the spectrum with more than enough time to twiddle away with games and TV or not enough time to complete the mound of work and chores they have set, which often leaves them with either no time to access services due to school or family commitments or enough time to access services, but not during the service’s own opening hours. Such an example of how this time constraint affects youth is healthcare services, such as the local general practice, which are often not open long past school hours and if they are, appointments are scarce. A service that manages to overcome this is services such as the Kids Helpline, which is a 24/7 online or phone service that allows youth to access counselling services outside of typical 9 – 5 office hours. Therefore, the time that youth must spend on their school work, house work and other commitments such as sport or employment will often restrict their access to services as they cannot always access the typical 9 – 5 office hours most services hold, however there are some exceptions to the rule, such as 24/7 phone lines.
Money
As young people with multiple commitments, including study there is not an excess of time with which to earn money and therefore most youth are often lacking in finds which can diminish their access to services such as public transport services as they are unable to afford it. While public transport is relatively inexpensive, some youth are not in employment at all and many parents restrict their children from looking for employment in order to focus on studies, leaving them with very limited money to access transport such as a bus to travel to other services, such as the local GP. While many youth are able to borrow money from their parents, they must start to learn how to not rely on their parents to cover all of their financial needs, which is difficult in these situations. Having a lack of money therefore can affect access to all kinds of services, as the inability to transport themself from one place to another to attend services is restricted due to being unable to afford the cost of public or other transport.
Energy
Knowledge
Youth are often on both ends of the spectrum with more than enough time to twiddle away with games and TV or not enough time to complete the mound of work and chores they have set, which often leaves them with either no time to access services due to school or family commitments or enough time to access services, but not during the service’s own opening hours. Such an example of how this time constraint affects youth is healthcare services, such as the local general practice, which are often not open long past school hours and if they are, appointments are scarce. A service that manages to overcome this is services such as the Kids Helpline, which is a 24/7 online or phone service that allows youth to access counselling services outside of typical 9 – 5 office hours. Therefore, the time that youth must spend on their school work, house work and other commitments such as sport or employment will often restrict their access to services as they cannot always access the typical 9 – 5 office hours most services hold, however there are some exceptions to the rule, such as 24/7 phone lines.
Money
As young people with multiple commitments, including study there is not an excess of time with which to earn money and therefore most youth are often lacking in finds which can diminish their access to services such as public transport services as they are unable to afford it. While public transport is relatively inexpensive, some youth are not in employment at all and many parents restrict their children from looking for employment in order to focus on studies, leaving them with very limited money to access transport such as a bus to travel to other services, such as the local GP. While many youth are able to borrow money from their parents, they must start to learn how to not rely on their parents to cover all of their financial needs, which is difficult in these situations. Having a lack of money therefore can affect access to all kinds of services, as the inability to transport themself from one place to another to attend services is restricted due to being unable to afford the cost of public or other transport.
Energy
Knowledge
Aspects of the service, eg opening hours, confidentiality, location, staffing
Note:
Aspects of the Service = (COLS)
Confidentiality (C)
Opening Hours (O)
Location (L)
Staffing (S)
Aspects of the Service = (COLS)
Confidentiality (C)
Opening Hours (O)
Location (L)
Staffing (S)
Confidentiality
Confidentiality and security of information is also an important factor. Youth may share their problems with youth workers or school psychologists. Websites such as Youthbeyondblue, provide information on a variety of support services and aspects of confidentiality. Kids helpline offers confidentiality to its clients, with the exception of some ‘duty of care’ situations. It is critical that youth feel safe and secure when they access services; service personnel are often selected for their compassion and ability to deal with situations with sensitivity and compassion
Opening Hours
Youth are generally involved in full-time study and some pattern or work. As a result, their access to services open during business hours (Monday to Friday 9 – 5) may be limited. Some examples of services that strive to overcome this factor are 24 – hour fitness centres
Location
For the often time-poor youth, the distance of a service facility may prevent their access. It may be the physical distance, it may be the cost of getting to the facility – either way, location is the factor. Therefore, the steady increase of online service facilities, which are readily accessible by a greater majority of youth, is understandable. Kids Helpline and Legal Aid both exist to serve youth who, because of geographic location, are unable to access services in a town or suburb.
Staffing
The staff at venues where young people socialise need to be supportive of youth. They should be attentive without being patronising, Youth enjoy being recognised and valued by significant others. Given that males are less likely to access service facilities, many shopfronts are seeking the employ of younger males in the hope of providing a safe environment conductive to males who need assistance. Equally, the employment of staff from culturally diverse backgrounds provides another dimension of accessibility, as staff are able to address the needs of youth from different cultural backgrounds.
Confidentiality and security of information is also an important factor. Youth may share their problems with youth workers or school psychologists. Websites such as Youthbeyondblue, provide information on a variety of support services and aspects of confidentiality. Kids helpline offers confidentiality to its clients, with the exception of some ‘duty of care’ situations. It is critical that youth feel safe and secure when they access services; service personnel are often selected for their compassion and ability to deal with situations with sensitivity and compassion
Opening Hours
Youth are generally involved in full-time study and some pattern or work. As a result, their access to services open during business hours (Monday to Friday 9 – 5) may be limited. Some examples of services that strive to overcome this factor are 24 – hour fitness centres
Location
For the often time-poor youth, the distance of a service facility may prevent their access. It may be the physical distance, it may be the cost of getting to the facility – either way, location is the factor. Therefore, the steady increase of online service facilities, which are readily accessible by a greater majority of youth, is understandable. Kids Helpline and Legal Aid both exist to serve youth who, because of geographic location, are unable to access services in a town or suburb.
Staffing
The staff at venues where young people socialise need to be supportive of youth. They should be attentive without being patronising, Youth enjoy being recognised and valued by significant others. Given that males are less likely to access service facilities, many shopfronts are seeking the employ of younger males in the hope of providing a safe environment conductive to males who need assistance. Equally, the employment of staff from culturally diverse backgrounds provides another dimension of accessibility, as staff are able to address the needs of youth from different cultural backgrounds.
Creating positive social environments
Addressing the groups’ issues of concern
Government policy and legislation
Education Amendment Bill 2009→ legal compulsory requirement to be at school until 17 years, unless young person involved in training or apprenticeship more than 25 hours per week.
Impact: improved chance of employment, increase economic well being for all youth which allowed equity among this group.
Marriage Act 1961 NSW→ minimum age of marriage without parental permission is 18. In some circumstances a judge and youths parents may support marriage at 16 years.
Impact: It creates equity for some cultural groups which encourages marriage at a young age such as muslim cultures. However, it can be perceived as creating inequity as if a young person sees marriage as acceptable at 18 they may feel ready to get married rather than being personally ready for this commitment. This could potentially lead divorce, sole parent families, educational and employment disadvantages.
Concession cards→ allow cheaper travel on public transport and provide discount rates for movies and other attractions. Introduction of family funday, Sunday transport pass in NSW for $2.50 per person.
Impact: creates equity among all because the rate of pay remains the same for everyone in this age group regardless of differences such as culture, educational, gender, geographical location.
Centrelink→ payments include Abstudy and youth allowance.
Impact: alleviates socioeconomic and educational inequity by providing a student with economic support while they are completing studies.
Federal government funding→ increases students access to computers in schools through the digital education revolution. Policy was designed to provide laptops for all students in years 9-12.however, more money needed to be spent on teacher training, resource development and ongoing maintenance issues.
Impact: It aimed to ensure technological and educational equity for all though was inequitable as only state schools received this which implies that those attending private schools have the finances to pay for these devices. Additionally, it may appear inequitable as student post 2013 did not receive this benefit and a lack of teacher education in state schools in using technology meant that students learning may have been affected.
Distance education → an alternative for students who cannot continue their education in their local school e.g. medical or life issues. Is used by geographically remote students and creates a more equitable situation in which the students can access subjects regardless of their location.
Impact: creates equity for youth living in rural and remote areas as they can still participate in education levels at the same rate as urban school students. They are not disadvantaged as the same subjects are offered regardless of geographic location. This could lead to equity in gaining employment opportunities. .
Impact: improved chance of employment, increase economic well being for all youth which allowed equity among this group.
Marriage Act 1961 NSW→ minimum age of marriage without parental permission is 18. In some circumstances a judge and youths parents may support marriage at 16 years.
Impact: It creates equity for some cultural groups which encourages marriage at a young age such as muslim cultures. However, it can be perceived as creating inequity as if a young person sees marriage as acceptable at 18 they may feel ready to get married rather than being personally ready for this commitment. This could potentially lead divorce, sole parent families, educational and employment disadvantages.
Concession cards→ allow cheaper travel on public transport and provide discount rates for movies and other attractions. Introduction of family funday, Sunday transport pass in NSW for $2.50 per person.
Impact: creates equity among all because the rate of pay remains the same for everyone in this age group regardless of differences such as culture, educational, gender, geographical location.
Centrelink→ payments include Abstudy and youth allowance.
Impact: alleviates socioeconomic and educational inequity by providing a student with economic support while they are completing studies.
Federal government funding→ increases students access to computers in schools through the digital education revolution. Policy was designed to provide laptops for all students in years 9-12.however, more money needed to be spent on teacher training, resource development and ongoing maintenance issues.
Impact: It aimed to ensure technological and educational equity for all though was inequitable as only state schools received this which implies that those attending private schools have the finances to pay for these devices. Additionally, it may appear inequitable as student post 2013 did not receive this benefit and a lack of teacher education in state schools in using technology meant that students learning may have been affected.
Distance education → an alternative for students who cannot continue their education in their local school e.g. medical or life issues. Is used by geographically remote students and creates a more equitable situation in which the students can access subjects regardless of their location.
Impact: creates equity for youth living in rural and remote areas as they can still participate in education levels at the same rate as urban school students. They are not disadvantaged as the same subjects are offered regardless of geographic location. This could lead to equity in gaining employment opportunities. .
Organisations within the community that support the group
Critically analyse the extent to which organisations (discuss at least 2 organisations) within the community assist in satisfying the needs of youth. (Be sure to specifically name the syllabus needs that are being satisfied, eg; adequate standard of living (food, clothing, shelter), health, education, employment, safety and security, sense of identity)
Centrelink:
Centrelink can assist youth to achieve many needs through a range of payments. Payments that youth are eligible for may include youth allowance and Abstudy (for Indigenous youth). Youth allowance is a parental-means and personal- income tested payment that allows youth to study full-time, complete an apprenticeship or move away from home if there are difficult circumstances. Abstudy is assistance that is provided to indigenous youth that are studying secondary or tertiary education. There is also assistance available for isolated children, which supports youth who cannot be enrolled into their local state school due to geographical isolation, disability or special needs.
- Education - Need may satisfied as payments can be put towards equipment such as buying a laptop. However, if the money is not being used for its purpose and is being spent on things such as a car, the whole purpose of the payments is then defeated
- Adequate standard of living - May also be satisfied as the payments can go towards food, clothing and shelter if the individual is not living at home. However, if the payments received is not enough to cover the costs, the individual may be put under a lot of pressure which may cause stress to find another source of income.
- Safety and security - May be satisfied as having this money may allow the individual to feel that the money is a means of safety and security when extra money is required. However, if this money is not used appropriately, the money then becomes useless to help the youth for its purpose.
Kids Helpline
Kids helpline is a well known online service that is publicised and can help you accomplish numerous needs. This is accessible 24 hours a day, which makes it easier for you to access in your free time. The Kids helpline is used all over the world, and is also known as a valid helpful website which has answered over 280 000 contacts in 2012. The information that has been said/written as been and will always be kept confidential and is not shared with any person or organisation outside of the kids helpline, unless something was a “duty of care” situation then the confidentiality is broken. This online service covers all topics such as, bullying, suicide prevention, parental separation and sexuality, all records/sessions are securely stored on kids helpline premises at all times. All clients are able to contact this service through email, telephone and via web counselling.
- Health - less stress, makes them feel better about their self
- Safety and security - advice, making them feeling safer in the environment
- Sense of identity - helps them find out who they are and more things about themselves, they could feel like they still don't know who they are.
Centrelink:
Centrelink can assist youth to achieve many needs through a range of payments. Payments that youth are eligible for may include youth allowance and Abstudy (for Indigenous youth). Youth allowance is a parental-means and personal- income tested payment that allows youth to study full-time, complete an apprenticeship or move away from home if there are difficult circumstances. Abstudy is assistance that is provided to indigenous youth that are studying secondary or tertiary education. There is also assistance available for isolated children, which supports youth who cannot be enrolled into their local state school due to geographical isolation, disability or special needs.
- Education - Need may satisfied as payments can be put towards equipment such as buying a laptop. However, if the money is not being used for its purpose and is being spent on things such as a car, the whole purpose of the payments is then defeated
- Adequate standard of living - May also be satisfied as the payments can go towards food, clothing and shelter if the individual is not living at home. However, if the payments received is not enough to cover the costs, the individual may be put under a lot of pressure which may cause stress to find another source of income.
- Safety and security - May be satisfied as having this money may allow the individual to feel that the money is a means of safety and security when extra money is required. However, if this money is not used appropriately, the money then becomes useless to help the youth for its purpose.
Kids Helpline
Kids helpline is a well known online service that is publicised and can help you accomplish numerous needs. This is accessible 24 hours a day, which makes it easier for you to access in your free time. The Kids helpline is used all over the world, and is also known as a valid helpful website which has answered over 280 000 contacts in 2012. The information that has been said/written as been and will always be kept confidential and is not shared with any person or organisation outside of the kids helpline, unless something was a “duty of care” situation then the confidentiality is broken. This online service covers all topics such as, bullying, suicide prevention, parental separation and sexuality, all records/sessions are securely stored on kids helpline premises at all times. All clients are able to contact this service through email, telephone and via web counselling.
- Health - less stress, makes them feel better about their self
- Safety and security - advice, making them feeling safer in the environment
- Sense of identity - helps them find out who they are and more things about themselves, they could feel like they still don't know who they are.
Equity issues
Equality refers to fairness and justice. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, adopted in 1948, clearly advocates that the rights of youth are no different to the rights given to all other individuals in our community. Human rights are universal and are to be enjoyed by all people, regardless of who they are or where they live.
It can argued that youth are at a disadvantage and face inequalities with respect to the following:
- Socioeconomic (financial) inequality- many youth are dependant or in entry-level positions
- Social inequality- social stigma and negative stereotypes
- Political inequality- many youth are not old enough to vote
- Geographical (remote location) inequality- rural youth
- Educational inequality- socioeconomically disadvantaged and rural youth
- Discrimination- racial, age, sexual and gender issues
- Unequal access to resources and services such as employment, accommodation, transport and health
- A management strategy is a plan or action to achieve a goal. It could refer to what is already in place, or it could be developed. This could be done using an existing law (or proposing a change in that law), or it could involve a new policy or additional government funding to meet the need.
- To improve socioeconomic inequities faced by youth, the government could increase the youth allowance payments and allow more students to access this benefit by increasing the parental income threshold. A management strategy to decrease health inequities could be to increase the number of school psychologists available to young people so that mental health issues may be detected and addressed before they become a major problem.
- Sadly, movement towards equity comes with conflict. Conflict occurs when individuals or groups have differing values, beliefs or standards. Thus, those addressing issues of inequity may be faced with difficulty when devising strategies to bring about positive change.
It can argued that youth are at a disadvantage and face inequalities with respect to the following:
- Socioeconomic (financial) inequality- many youth are dependant or in entry-level positions
- Social inequality- social stigma and negative stereotypes
- Political inequality- many youth are not old enough to vote
- Geographical (remote location) inequality- rural youth
- Educational inequality- socioeconomically disadvantaged and rural youth
- Discrimination- racial, age, sexual and gender issues
- Unequal access to resources and services such as employment, accommodation, transport and health
- A management strategy is a plan or action to achieve a goal. It could refer to what is already in place, or it could be developed. This could be done using an existing law (or proposing a change in that law), or it could involve a new policy or additional government funding to meet the need.
- To improve socioeconomic inequities faced by youth, the government could increase the youth allowance payments and allow more students to access this benefit by increasing the parental income threshold. A management strategy to decrease health inequities could be to increase the number of school psychologists available to young people so that mental health issues may be detected and addressed before they become a major problem.
- Sadly, movement towards equity comes with conflict. Conflict occurs when individuals or groups have differing values, beliefs or standards. Thus, those addressing issues of inequity may be faced with difficulty when devising strategies to bring about positive change.
Positive Influences on Community Attitudes
Contributions the group makes within the community
State Emergency Services
The New South Wales State Emergency Services is an emergency and rescue service, where volunteers dedicate their time in assisting the community. Major responsibilities are assisting during flooding and storms but other rescue efforts include:
- Road accident rescue
- Vertical rescue
- Bush search and rescue
- Evidence searches
State Emergency Services (SES) also works in conjunction with NSW Police Force, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue Services and the Ambulance Service of NSW.
Positive
- Involved with local community organisations by showing support and dedicating their time to assist those in danger.
- Viewed as volunteers and/or role models
- Emotional wellbeing (self-esteem) → able to participate regardless of age, gender or ability
- Skills are gained through regular training with other volunteers → social wellbeing
- Physical wellbeing → health is maintained through regular physical activity and movement.
- A variety of roles are available both in the administrative sector and amongst the action for the youth to volunteer their time and energy
- Emotional wellbeing (self-worth) → youth are able to receive nationally accredited competencies as NSW SES is a registered Training Organisation.
- A Cadet Program is introduced within secondary schools to provide students with knowledge and attitudes required to achieve an understanding of the community and the service’s aims
- Must be sixteen years of age to become a qualified volunteer therefore the age is deemed appropriate for youth beginning to learn about responsibility.
- The SES encourages the development of positive personal and team characteristics among the volunteer.
Negative
- Their lives and wellbeing are in danger when volunteering for the service
- Dedicated time to other commitments may reduce significantly, particularly studies
- Physical wellbeing may decline due to the constant exposure to danger
- The youth cadet program is aimed at children in years 9 onwards (15+), by allowing children at such a young age to experience high risk situations, their perception of risk and danger may be drastically changed or out of proportion - emotional wellbeing
- If a youth feels doubtful in their environment or of their teachers, they may put themselves or their peers in danger by misjudging or acting impulsively, as a result this can negatively impact their social wellbeing as those around them will feel unsafe.
The New South Wales State Emergency Services is an emergency and rescue service, where volunteers dedicate their time in assisting the community. Major responsibilities are assisting during flooding and storms but other rescue efforts include:
- Road accident rescue
- Vertical rescue
- Bush search and rescue
- Evidence searches
State Emergency Services (SES) also works in conjunction with NSW Police Force, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue Services and the Ambulance Service of NSW.
Positive
- Involved with local community organisations by showing support and dedicating their time to assist those in danger.
- Viewed as volunteers and/or role models
- Emotional wellbeing (self-esteem) → able to participate regardless of age, gender or ability
- Skills are gained through regular training with other volunteers → social wellbeing
- Physical wellbeing → health is maintained through regular physical activity and movement.
- A variety of roles are available both in the administrative sector and amongst the action for the youth to volunteer their time and energy
- Emotional wellbeing (self-worth) → youth are able to receive nationally accredited competencies as NSW SES is a registered Training Organisation.
- A Cadet Program is introduced within secondary schools to provide students with knowledge and attitudes required to achieve an understanding of the community and the service’s aims
- Must be sixteen years of age to become a qualified volunteer therefore the age is deemed appropriate for youth beginning to learn about responsibility.
- The SES encourages the development of positive personal and team characteristics among the volunteer.
Negative
- Their lives and wellbeing are in danger when volunteering for the service
- Dedicated time to other commitments may reduce significantly, particularly studies
- Physical wellbeing may decline due to the constant exposure to danger
- The youth cadet program is aimed at children in years 9 onwards (15+), by allowing children at such a young age to experience high risk situations, their perception of risk and danger may be drastically changed or out of proportion - emotional wellbeing
- If a youth feels doubtful in their environment or of their teachers, they may put themselves or their peers in danger by misjudging or acting impulsively, as a result this can negatively impact their social wellbeing as those around them will feel unsafe.
Advocacy (speaking up for the group’s needs and concerns)
Note:
Advocacy = (REP)
Raising awareness within the community (R)
Educating the community (E)
Promoting the rights of the group (P)
Advocacy = (REP)
Raising awareness within the community (R)
Educating the community (E)
Promoting the rights of the group (P)
Raising awareness within the community
Describe the positive influence this community organisation can have on community attitudes.
There are many groups and organisations with the mission to advocate for youth and their needs, increasing knowledge and raising awareness on the issues that face contemporary societies youth. For example, The 2014 young Australian of the Year - Jacqualine Freney, a paralympic swimmer -further raises awareness of the indomitable spirit of youth and shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
By organising events through organisations such as Headspace, which positively benefit the youth community, such as advertising through local newspapers or through local media such as television ads, community members can then have increased economic well being of the issues that youth individuals face. These events raise awareness of the multiple societal issues that may restrict youth from accessing services as well as providing information on how to effectively satisfying their personal needs to their full potential.
Outline how a community organisation advocate for youth by raising awareness within the community:
There are many groups and organisations with the mission to advocate for youth and their needs. For example, government organisations such as Headspace organise community awareness programs and activities for young people, their friends, their families and the broader community. These programs advocate for the promotion of satisfying the needs of the youth as well as promoting positive wellbeing. Headspace, in particular seek to educate the wider community on the issues which face youth and raise awareness of these issues throughout social media including television, newspaper, radio advertisements and websites online. This can have a positive impact on the emotional well being of the youth, having a greater self-esteem and self-worth due to the increase in community knowledge on the issues that face youth and how to increase their wellbeing.
Information:
- Advocacy: Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy
- Organisations such as Headspace organise community awareness programs and activities for young people, their friends, their families and the broader community. (National Youth Mental Health Foundation)
- Schools also work towards promoting initiatives for and by youth.
- Example of Individual advocacy: The 2014 young Australian of the Year - Jacqueline Freney, a paralympic swimmer -further raises awareness of the indomitable spirit of youth and shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
- Youth achievements must be recognised so that spirit and well being are positively enhanced.
There are many groups and organisations with the mission to advocate for youth and their needs, increasing knowledge and raising awareness on the issues that face contemporary societies youth. For example, The 2014 young Australian of the Year - Jacqualine Freney, a paralympic swimmer -further raises awareness of the indomitable spirit of youth and shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
By organising events through organisations such as Headspace, which positively benefit the youth community, such as advertising through local newspapers or through local media such as television ads, community members can then have increased economic well being of the issues that youth individuals face. These events raise awareness of the multiple societal issues that may restrict youth from accessing services as well as providing information on how to effectively satisfying their personal needs to their full potential.
Outline how a community organisation advocate for youth by raising awareness within the community:
There are many groups and organisations with the mission to advocate for youth and their needs. For example, government organisations such as Headspace organise community awareness programs and activities for young people, their friends, their families and the broader community. These programs advocate for the promotion of satisfying the needs of the youth as well as promoting positive wellbeing. Headspace, in particular seek to educate the wider community on the issues which face youth and raise awareness of these issues throughout social media including television, newspaper, radio advertisements and websites online. This can have a positive impact on the emotional well being of the youth, having a greater self-esteem and self-worth due to the increase in community knowledge on the issues that face youth and how to increase their wellbeing.
Information:
- Advocacy: Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy
- Organisations such as Headspace organise community awareness programs and activities for young people, their friends, their families and the broader community. (National Youth Mental Health Foundation)
- Schools also work towards promoting initiatives for and by youth.
- Example of Individual advocacy: The 2014 young Australian of the Year - Jacqueline Freney, a paralympic swimmer -further raises awareness of the indomitable spirit of youth and shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
- Youth achievements must be recognised so that spirit and well being are positively enhanced.
Educating the community
Youth Action
Youth Action is 'the peak organisation representing young people and youth services in NSW' that are, in a way, an advocacy organisation that speaks out on behalf of the youth of NSW and assist these youth in getting their own voices out and heard by the public in a way that most accurately represents them as they truly are, primarily through an online magazine they publish entitled 'Unleash'. Young people can submit opinions and articles to the magazine online and they can be published in the next issue, representing their opinions, feelings and ideas.
Not only does Youth Action provide an element of advocacy for the youth of NSW by spreading the opinion of these youth to the public, but the organisation site also has articles written by young interns talking about issues such as Searching For A Solution to Alcohol-fuelled Violence. These articles allow young people to express their genuine concern, interest and care through these articles, indicating the best of this group that are concerned with the state of the world and it's affairs, particularly those that affect them and issues caused by a portion of this group that affect others.
The organisation's aims, found from their website linked above, are:
Aims
Youth Action is the peak organisation representing young people and youth services in NSW. Youth Action works towards a society where all young people are supported, engaged and valued. To achieve this, it is the role of Youth Action to:
1. Respond to social and political agendas relating to young people and the youth services sector
2. Provide proactive leadership and advocacy and shape the agenda on issues affecting young people and youth services
3. Collaborate on issues that affect young people and youth workers
4. Promote a positive profile in the media and the community of young people and youth services
5. Build capacity for young people to speak out and take action on issues that affect them
6. Enhance the capacity of the youth services sector to provide high quality services
7. Ensure Youth Action's organisational development, efficiency, effectiveness and good governance.
A specific project the organisation is running that aims to serve as an advocacy for youth and assist the youth of NSW is the Western Sydney Project.
For further information visit http://advocacy-educating.weebly.com
Youth Action is 'the peak organisation representing young people and youth services in NSW' that are, in a way, an advocacy organisation that speaks out on behalf of the youth of NSW and assist these youth in getting their own voices out and heard by the public in a way that most accurately represents them as they truly are, primarily through an online magazine they publish entitled 'Unleash'. Young people can submit opinions and articles to the magazine online and they can be published in the next issue, representing their opinions, feelings and ideas.
Not only does Youth Action provide an element of advocacy for the youth of NSW by spreading the opinion of these youth to the public, but the organisation site also has articles written by young interns talking about issues such as Searching For A Solution to Alcohol-fuelled Violence. These articles allow young people to express their genuine concern, interest and care through these articles, indicating the best of this group that are concerned with the state of the world and it's affairs, particularly those that affect them and issues caused by a portion of this group that affect others.
The organisation's aims, found from their website linked above, are:
Aims
Youth Action is the peak organisation representing young people and youth services in NSW. Youth Action works towards a society where all young people are supported, engaged and valued. To achieve this, it is the role of Youth Action to:
1. Respond to social and political agendas relating to young people and the youth services sector
2. Provide proactive leadership and advocacy and shape the agenda on issues affecting young people and youth services
3. Collaborate on issues that affect young people and youth workers
4. Promote a positive profile in the media and the community of young people and youth services
5. Build capacity for young people to speak out and take action on issues that affect them
6. Enhance the capacity of the youth services sector to provide high quality services
7. Ensure Youth Action's organisational development, efficiency, effectiveness and good governance.
A specific project the organisation is running that aims to serve as an advocacy for youth and assist the youth of NSW is the Western Sydney Project.
For further information visit http://advocacy-educating.weebly.com
Promoting the rights of the group
Outline how a community organisation advocate for youth by promoting the rights of the youth.
The Australian Youth Forum is run by the Federal Government. They engage with young people in order to share their opinions to help to influence government policy and decisions that affect them and those in future generations. They encourage youth to get involved through the use of social media such as their website to encourage people to present their views on issues regarding curriculum issues, disability care and marriage equality.
Describe the positive influence this organisation can have on community attitudes.
The Australian Youth Forum can have a positive influence on community attitudes as it allows young people to voice their opinions and potentially have an impact on change through the use of their website and their Steering Committee who meet with the Minister for Youth. These services allow the individuals to make a contribution regarding issues that affect themselves as well as
The Australian Youth Forum is run by the Federal Government. They engage with young people in order to share their opinions to help to influence government policy and decisions that affect them and those in future generations. They encourage youth to get involved through the use of social media such as their website to encourage people to present their views on issues regarding curriculum issues, disability care and marriage equality.
Describe the positive influence this organisation can have on community attitudes.
The Australian Youth Forum can have a positive influence on community attitudes as it allows young people to voice their opinions and potentially have an impact on change through the use of their website and their Steering Committee who meet with the Minister for Youth. These services allow the individuals to make a contribution regarding issues that affect themselves as well as