CAFS HSC Notes - Youth PDF

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CAFS summary notes for Core module ...

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HSC CORE: Groups in Context – Youth (12-24 years old)  Prevalence of each group within the community (McCrindle Research, 2013)    

20% of the population is made up by youth Males make 52.3% and females make up 48.7% 8% of young people had some form of disability The youth population is likely to decrease to less than 18% in 2020 due to lower birth rates and a decline in fertility

 Individual diversity within each group  Attends school or university  Career pathway, choice of training and ways of beginning of their career  High workforce participation rates o 67% of females are actively engaged in the workforce o 70% of males are actively engaged in the workforce  Part-time work is predominant  Some youth have their own children and are involved in family life  Indigenous youth accounts for 3.6% of all 15-19 year olds and 2.8% of 20-24 year olds.  1 in 5 were born overseas o Mostly the 1 in 5 born overseas are from Asia, which make up 6.6% or from Europe, which makes up 2.6%  1 in 5 speak more than one language  1 in 100 young people are considered homeless people (Office from Youth, 2009)  Terminology used to describe the group POSITIVE - Passionate - Innovative - Determined - Driven

 Specific needs (SHESEAS)

NEGATIVE - Lazy - Disrespectful - Rebellious - Irresponsible

Adequate Standard of Living

Health

Education (SIGNIFICANT NEED)

Employment

Safety and security Sense of identity (SIGNIFICANT NEED)

- Are active and require nutritious foods - For most, housing needs are met by parents - Some live in boarding schools or residential colleges during the school or university term - Some may share a dwelling with their partner - Some problems include eating disorders and mental health issues - Generally have good health but can be risk takers - Injuries and diseases can result from motor vehicle accidents, drug/alcohol abuse, unsafe sex and eating disorders - Usually involved in education at school, TAFE, university or at private college - Education is critically important in preparing young people for employment - Youth are part of the most educated generation - Many are not working yet as they are still involved in education and training - Some are involved in volunteer work such as fundraising and sports coaching which help prepare youth for future employment - May be financial, physical and emotional - Drug use and alcohol can contribute to risky behaviours such as drink driving, sexual assaults and aggression - Affected by involvement in school activities, academic and sporting ability and if they have a job - When they leave school, they may need to reshape their identity - Influenced

 Types of Services Types of Services Description Financial Support

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The NSW Department of Fair Trading can advise young people about financial and employment issues o Own a website called Money Stuf and offer information about budgeting, saving credit cards, debt, investing and financial decisions  can help youth buy a car, get a job or move out of home

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Centrelink can provide info about allowances and how to fill out paperwork o Austudy and Abstudy provide financial help to youth who are studying o Youth Allowance provides financial help for people who are studying part of full-time, completing an apprenticeship, training, looking for

Transport

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Accommodation and Housing

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Health care

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Counselling

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Education

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Employment

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Legal Aid

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work or are sick Youth are eligible for concessions (discounts  concession cards) on public transport In areas where there are limited public transport, local governments and business provide alternatives, e.g. Mt Druitt Hospital provides free transport to and form medical appointments for clients who have no means of transport  helps geographically isolated youth to support their health needs The RMS allows young drivers who complete a Safe Driver Course and 10 hours of professional lessons, credit of 50 hours towards their log book Most youth lives with their parents For many, there is a growing need for crisis or emergency accommodation  usually found in large towns and cities Many youths are forced to couch surf while they look for secure accommodation The Department of Health offer free vaccinations to all youth The Health Care Card allows low-income youth to access cheaper prescription medicines and other concessions on health-care Youth centres such as Blacktown Youth Services Association help put people in contact with sexual health clinics, rape crisis centres and GP’s who bulk bill Mental health services are also provided by schools in the form of counsellors and community health centres such as Headspace in Mt Druitt Organisations such as Reach Out, Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kid’s Helpline, and Lifeline offer support to young people with depression and other mental health conditions The Salvation Army, Mission Australia and Anglicare also help to support the spiritual wellbeing of young people Youth of the Streets is an organisation that helps homeless youths Family and Community Services (FACS) help young people who are adopted, fostered or have a dysfunctional family Education is compulsory until the age of 17 (high-school) Aboriginal children and students in remote areas can now access education via technology Careers advisors and attending career’s markets help youth to plan for the future Universities offering early admission schemes and early entrance programs Students who complete VET courses in school have access to Work Placement in the industry Australian Apprenticeships offer opportunities for youth to train, study and earn an income The Children’s Legal Service (CLS) of Legal Aid NSW advises and represents

children and young people under 18 involved in criminal cases and Apprehended Violence Order applications in the Children’s Courts  free support given to youth in need of advice  available in person, online, in handouts and in youth centres

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Factors afecting access to services Characteristics of individuals within the group

Characteristic

How does the characteristic of the Youth afect their access?

Age

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Gender

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Level of education

Culture and First language spoken

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Type of disability

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Age restricts them Many young people do not have the skills to get a job and are not given the opportunity to acquire the skills or have their opinion heard It can also prevent them from seeking accommodation as they are not old enough to sign a lease Youth can only access Abstudy at 14 or Youth Allowance from 16-24 Youth can get a Learner’s license at 16 but cannot obtain a Provisional License until 17 Youth cannot vote or sign a contract until they are 18 Less impact on youth Stereotypical views that males are strong can make males feel inadequate and useless  makes males less likely to seek help for physical and mental health issues o More male staff being employed in service agencies is helping males to feel more comfortable Young women can feel more intimidated if they feel like they are being humiliated when seeking help from services Gender is still a barrier when obtaining some forms of employment or a promotion A low level of education affects their ability to access high paying jobs to better their situations o Education through Youth Off the Streets and other community programs can help youth to break the cycle School of the Air and distance education can rural youth to complete their schooling Culture and language can be a barrier to communication which will limit friendships, educational opportunities and employment Some culture believe that women don’t need to be educated, typically Eastern cultures Students from different cultural backgrounds may choose to study HSC courses in their native language to be able to achieve more success There may be a lack of culturally appropriate services for young people Some cultures ignore the presence of mental illnesses and don’t bother to seek treatment  youth may adapt these behaviours and ignore mental health issues and don’t seek help Disabilities (physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological) can cause young people to feel uncomfortable about accessing services

Discrimination still occurs and language that is not inclusive coupled with a lack of disabled access/facilities (ramps, bathrooms, etc) and can make it more difficult May be entitled to extra assistance and financial help – Disability Support Pension once over 16 Can now access most mainstream and special provisions in exams Special courses at TAFE to assist disabled youth in finding employment Some services are not affordable for young people e.g. driving lessons or leisure activities Many youths struggle economically and need to work to be able to pay for services they want to access Youth who have a low SES may be too embarrassed to seek help or may not be able to pay for transport

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Socioeconomi c status

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Resources

Resource

Resources necessary to support Youth’s access to services

Time

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Money

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Energy

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Knowledge

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Time is wasted on social media, watching TV or stuff on the internet Some sleep excessively on weekends  lost time spent on physical activities or chores Some youth may be engrossed in their studies or sporting commitments and don’t take the time to see what services are available to them o Involvement in studies/sporting commitment may take their time away from appointments from services that concern their health Youth with luxuries living at home with a well-paying job broadens their access to services, and vice versa with youth that do not have such luxuries o E.g. lack of money may limit their dietary, housing, education and health options, as well as their opportunity and ability to get to service facilities  for some youth, putting food in their mouth is more important than paying for transport to a service Many are sedentary in leisure time and don’t use their energy  increases laziness and decreases motivation levels  lessens their desire to seek out services Some youth are unaware of the location and existence of facilities, e.g. PCYC Some youth may not fully understand their eligibility for assistance and so fail to apply for it

Aspects of the services

Opening hours

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Confidentiality

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Location

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Staffing

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Most youth are in full-time study and casual or part-time work  their access to services open during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9-5) may be limited 24-hour fitness centres are an example of a service overcoming this service It is critical that youth feel safe and secure when they access services in order to share their problems with youth workers and psychologists Kids Helpline offers confidentiality except in mandatory reporting situations Websites such as Beyondblue and Headspace provide info about health issues and confidentiality The physical distance or cost of travelling to a service can prevent access  increase in online services e.g. Kids Helpline and Legal Aid are able to support youth who live in rural areas Youth want to be recognised and valued Staff need to be able to socialise and support young people who are using their services

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Many companies are now employing more males and people from a variety of cultural backgrounds to be able to address the needs of different youth...