2019-2022
Kingston Youth Strategy Prepared Engaged
Resilient Acknowledged
Healthy
Contents
1
Mayor’s Foreword
2
Our mission, commitment and approach to youth participation
3
Overview of key inputs for this Strategy
4
Some statistics about young people in Kingston
5
Priorities, key directions and actions
6
Priority 1: Kingston’s young people are healthy and resilient
8
Priority 2: Kingston’s young people are acknowledged
10
Priority 3: Kingston’s young people are engaged
12
Priority 4: Kingston’s young people are prepared
14
Implementing and Reporting
15
Young people’s aspirations for their future
16
Appendix
16
Appendix 1: Youth Participation Framework
17
Appendix 2: Background Information
21
Acknowledgements
21
References
Aboriginal Acknowledgement The City of Kingston acknowledges the Kulin Nation as the custodians of the land on which the municipality is a part and pays its respect to their Elders past and present.
Mayor’s Foreword It is with great pleasure that I present our new Youth Strategy for 2019-2022. This document is a strategic plan for the City of Kingston to support, empower and advocate on behalf of young people aged 12 to 25 years in Kingston. This Strategy was developed with young people and for young people because: • the process empowers young people to actively shape the future of their City; • young people possess unique ideas and lived experiences that may differ greatly to adults; and • youth participation creates important partnerships between Council and young people where we better understand and learn from each other. From the many youth voices who shared their ideas and opinions during the surveying and consultation program, common themes emerged. These themes were reinforced in the views shared by parents/carers and representatives of our schools and youth services organisations.
The four priority areas are: 1. Healthy and resilient 2. Acknowledged 3. Engaged 4. Prepared This Strategy shows Council’s commitment to support our young people to achieve their goals and aspirations. It prioritises programs, services and initiatives that support youth resilience, empowerment and voice. I would like to thank the 5,664 young people and 68 community members who contributed their thoughts, concerns and ideas that have informed the development of this Strategy.
Cr Georgina Oxley Mayor 2019
2019-2022 Kingston Youth Strategy
1
Our mission, commitment and approach to youth participation
Our Mission
Our approach to genuine youth participation
“Here for young people”
Council’s Youth Participation Framework (Appendix 1: Youth Participation Framework) outlines the commitment of Kingston Youth Services to the practice and principles of youth participation. Youth participation has been articulated as a right in the United Nations Rights of the Child (Source: Articles 12 to 14) and identified as a protective factor in Child Safe Standard 7 (Source: State of Victoria – Department of Health and Human Services).
Our commitment to young people Kingston Youth Services is committed to ensuring when we deliver our services and programs that: • provide ongoing support where needed • create meaningful opportunities for participation • foster independence and prepare young people for their future • acknowledge that young people come with their own aspirations.
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City of Kingston
As a practice, youth participation involves young people in activities, organisations, government and community structures, and engages them on issues that directly affect them. Fundamentally it is about meaningful opportunities for young people, valuing their contributions and empowering them to help shape our world. Kingston Youth Services supports young people’s right to be involved in decisions that affect them. We feel young people have the right to represent their own interests in decision making. This includes individual care planning and goals, program design and evaluation and strategic planning. Youth participation benefits both young people and our organisation. For further information about our approach please see Appendix 1.
Overview of key inputs for this Strategy
Inputs and Priorities When determining priorities for the 2019-2022 Youth Strategy, several inputs were considered as shown below. This approach aimed to ensure the Strategy would align with existing organisational plans and current research, honour current commitments and encourage community ownership. For more details, see Appendix 2: Background Information.
Diagram 1: Key Inputs
EXISTING COUNCIL PLANS
• Kingston Youth Strategy 2012-2016 • Council Plan 2017-2021 • Kingston Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK & RESEARCH
• 2017 Kingston Resilience Survey Summary Report • 2018 Youth Strategy survey with young people, parents/carers, educators and service providers • Youth Advisory Committee consultation • Literature reviews analysing data, state and national trends
CURRENT COMMITMENTS • State funded initiatives • Staffing • Services and programs already being delivered • Centres and spaces
KINGSTON YOUTH STRATEGY 2019 2022
Subsequently, four priority areas were identified: 1. Healthy and resilient 2. Acknowledged 3. Engaged 4. Prepared Priority areas discussed in further details commencing from page 5.
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Some statistics about young people in Kingston
Key Statistics
Many of Kingston’s 151,389 residents are young people.
By 2026, Kingston’s population is forecast to reach 173,315…
As at 2016, over 25,300 (or 16.7 % of) residents were young people aged 10 to 24 years and this is forecast to increase.
with 18,718 young people 10 to 19 years and 10,572 aged 20 to 24 years.
Top 3 Resilience Domains… as identified from the 2017 Kingston Resilience Survey are Hope 72%, Adult Support 67%, and Healthy Mind 64%.
(Source: id consulting 2016)
(Source: Kingston Youth Resilience Initiative: 2017 Resilience Survey Summary Report)
Top 3 Resilience Domains to improve...
27.5% of young people reported…
37% of young people identified…
only 39% of young people surveyed identified that they felt they had a Positive Identity, followed by 50% with Positive Values and 59% identifying Educational Engagement.
feeling unsure about their future.
a lack of understanding and support for mental health and depression.
(Source: id consulting 2016)
(Source: 2018 Kingston Youth Strategy Survey)
(Source: 2018 Kingston Youth Strategy Survey)
(Source: Kingston Youth Resilience Initiative: 2017 Resilience Survey Summary Report)
37% of young people reported concerns… about housing affordability and accessibility. (Source: 2018 Kingston Youth Strategy Survey)
36% of educators and service providers recognise…
33% of parents surveyed identified concerns around…
that young people are having challenges coping with stress.
bullying for their children.
(Source: 2018 Kingston Youth Strategy Survey)
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City of Kingston
(Source: 2018 Kingston Youth Strategy Survey)
Priorities, key directions and actions
Our plan
Four Priority Areas
These priorities and underpinning key directions aim to address the challenges facing our young people. To achieve these objectives, we will review and refine our existing commitment to services, programs, spaces and activities. We will also partner with education providers, youth support agencies, community organisations, parents and carers to enhance greater outcomes for young people.
1. Healthy and resilient 2. Acknowledged 3. Engaged 4. Prepared
A supporting Action Plan will set out the annual program of youth programs, services, initiatives and activities to track our progress against each key direction. Outcomes will be reported at the end of each financial year. The following information is presented for each of the four priorities: • high level description • snapshot of what young people, parents, educators and youth services organisations have said • key points from research around Australia • key directions and actions for Kingston Youth Services.
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Priority 1: Kingston’s young people are healthy and resilient Good physical and mental health is integral to youth resilience and a quality life. Resilience is drawn from positive experiences and qualities that assist young people to becoming caring, responsible and productive adults. We want to support young people, so they feel confident and equipped to face the challenges that come their way. We want to create an environment where young people, parents and carers can easily access reputable services and credible information when they need to. What our young people told us
In the consultation for this Strategy we heard
Findings from the 2017 Resilience Survey for secondary students showed that some young people could strengthen their health and resilience in several areas:
“My school and relationship with my family and friends is going well and is the most important thing to me”
79%
eat breakfast at home 3 or more days a week
75%
are able to concentrate
72%
“My social life and working life are going super well. Getting involved with the community and planning a heap of events which is super satisfying. Also getting a lot of shifts at work which is awesome :)”
keep physically fit
– Young person aged 20
68%
are not unhappy or depressed
66%
are not constantly under strain
“Be more visible and come into the school and engage with students, run lunch time activities”
64%
not losing sleep through worry
63%
are getting 8 hours sleep
62%
feel good about themselves
54%
text between 10pm and 6am
– Young person aged 15
– Educator/Service Provider
“Greater awareness of supports and local programs. It’s always hard to get information out to young people, but better consistent and accessible information would ease the stress young people face of not knowing where to go for help or advice” – Educator/Service Provider
“A complete follow up of families and children at risk” – Parent/Carer
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City of Kingston
What the research says Research from around Australia highlights the importance of youth resilience, health challenges and emphasis on good mental health: • The National vision is for all young people to grow up safe, healthy, happy and resilient and to have the opportunities and skills they need to learn, work, engage in community life and influence decisions that affect them (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010) • Research identifies five megatrends impacting the mental wellbeing of young Victorians over the coming 20 years (VicHealth, 2015a) • A 10-year action agenda for health promotion in Victoria focuses on understanding mental wellbeing, a new focus on resilience and where to intervene (VicHealth, 2015b) • Top three issues of personal concern to young people aged 15-19years: coping with stress, school or study problems and mental health (Mission Australia, 2018) • There has been a focus on suicide prevention and the co-ordination of planning and treatment and mental health support for over two decades (Department of Health, 2017) • Eating disorders are complex neuropsychiatric disorders and affect up to 9% of the Australian population in their lifetime, with an increase to 15% for females (Butterfly Foundation, 2017) • A heavy burden of youth mental health is falling onto schools. Schools must have adequate wellbeing staff, but better local service provision is also needed, from prevention to tertiary intervention (Youth Affairs Council Victoria, 2018)
Key directions and actions for Kingston Youth Services
KEY DIRECTIONS
ACTIONS
1.1 Young people are supported when facing a set-back
• Providing more targeted resources and information nights: Providing further information and support to raise the awareness of parents, carers and educators about current issues affecting young people in Kingston. • Continue to provide a free counselling service: Providing access to medium/ long-term counselling at no cost to young people.
1.2 Partnering with organisations and sporting clubs to enhance wellbeing opportunities for young people.
• Using social media to encourage healthier choices: Informing young people using social media about ways to make positive choices regarding emerging health and wellbeing issues. • Creating new pathways to accessing support: Leveraging existing and new partnership opportunities to strengthen young people’s access to support and advice. • Collaborating to expand our understanding of vulnerable young people: Working in partnership with local providers such as Les Twentyman Foundation to develop a greater understanding into the local needs of vulnerable young people.
1.3 Young people have access to mental health support and resources in times that are challenging or stressful
• Increasing understanding and awareness of mental health: Strengthening partnerships with schools, community agencies and sporting clubs to raise awareness of mental health, school stress, anxiety and body image issues and reduce the stigma around seeking support. • Enhancing and expanding the Kingston Youth Services website: Reviewing and improving the capacity and user-friendliness of the Kingston Youth Services website, ensuring mental health resources and information is current and relevant.
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Priority 2: Kingston’s young people are acknowledged Young people in Kingston are “creative, energetic, innovative and have a voice that needs to be heard”. These are the themes that emerged from educators and service providers when asked what is great about young people. Many young people have a social conscience and are positive and accepting of others and differences. We want to create an environment where young people feel welcome and their positive traits and contributions are acknowledged, valued and celebrated. What our young people told us
In the consultation for this Strategy we heard
Findings from the 2017 Resilience Survey for secondary students showed that some young people are participating or contributing and feel that they are being heard, but this could be increased:
“I am very happy with my family and friends. They are very accepting, understanding and I love them” – Young person aged 13
“School is going pretty well. I’m going to get an award at presentation night”
92%
value diversity
85%
are eager to achieve
74%
feel adults listen to them
52%
are helping to make the community a better place
“Young people have amazing ideas and are capable of so much”
52%
stand up for what they believe in
– Educator/Service Provider
51%
are involved creatively in music, art or similar
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City of Kingston
– Young person aged 14
“Young people are really creative about things and often have a tendency to think outside the box” – Educator/Service Provider
“Provide leadership opportunities for young people to engage in” – Parent/Carer
What the research says Research from around Australia highlights the importance of inclusion and youth being valued, recognised, acknowledged and celebrated: • The Cultural and Linguistic Diverse youth population has grown at a faster rate over the past five years compared to the total and Australiaborn population aged 12 to 24 (Centre for Multicultural Youth, 2014) • Broad-level and targeted changes need to be implemented to support young gender diverse and transgender young people to foster consistency of rights across Australia (Smith, Jones, Ward, Dixon, Mitchell & Hillier, 2014) • Victorian Youth Week is a week-long celebration of young people (aged 12–25) that happens every April. The week provides young people a chance to express their ideas and views, and act on issues that affect their lives. It also celebrates the positive contributions young people make to their communities (Youth Central, 2019a) • Every year young Victorians are honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Victorian community at the Young Achiever Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate young people who excel in fields like community service, volunteering, small business, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, healthcare, arts and fashion, and education (Youth Central, 2019b)
Key directions and actions for Kingston Youth Services
KEY DIRECTIONS
ACTIONS
2.1 Young people feel welcome and accepted • Encouraging inclusion: Providing youth events and programs that meet the needs of our diverse community. Encouraging young people to participate and engage in Council’s community events and festival program. • Providing places and spaces to socialise and build social connections: Exploring new ways that young people can socialise, participate in hobbies/ activities and be comfortable with their uniqueness and diversity. • Ensuring youth friendly service provision: Working with young people to ensure Kingston Youth Services continues to be welcoming and easy to reach. 2.2 The efforts and contributions of young people are recognised and rewarded
• Showcasing positive stories about young people through media channels: Using new and current media channels to regularly share a variety of stories and announcements about the efforts and journeys of young people. • Facilitating youth leadership and consultation: Ensure that young people have a genuine voice and contribution when participating in Kingston Youth Services leadership programs and consultation processes.
2.3 Young people are valued and acknowledged in their community
• Promoting the achievements and impact of young people: Co-designing an approach that recognises and rewards individual and collective achievements of young people and youth volunteers in both private and public.
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Priority 3: Kingston’s young people are engaged Being connected and having a sense of belonging is important to overall resilience and well-being. Young people benefit from having positive connections with their family, at school and within the community. Young people told us they want to feel empowered. They want to feel safe and be involved. We want to create an environment where young people feel engaged and heard. What our young people told us
In the consultation for this Strategy we heard
Findings from the 2017 Resilience Survey for secondary students showed many young people are connected to school and community and have a sense of belonging, having a say, but being engaged within their communities could be increased:
“I hope to have a family, good job and awesome neighbourhood” – Young person aged 16
“More youth-based community events based around all genres of music” – Young person aged 17
90%
feel safe and secure at home
86%
are engaged in the learning process
84%
“Approaching schools directly with flyers, brochures outlining the programs in Kingston and getting the schools on board with referring young people to programs”
feel connected to school
– Educator/Service Provider
84%
say they have a safe neighbourhood
79%
have not been bullied online in the last 12 months
“Opportunity for youth to have open discussions about their problems and a space to connect, use each other as resources”
77%
are part of a club, sport or similar
52%
are helping to make my community a better place
51%
are involved creatively in music, art or similar
35%
are involved in serving the community
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– Educator/Service Provider
“Get young people involved in planning community and environmental initiatives. The world we live in needs stronger community connections” – Parent/Carer
What the research says Recent research from around Australia on young people focuses on student engagement, youth voice as well as the safety and protection of children, young people and families: • Every school in Victoria is required to have a student engagement policy (Department of Education, 2019) and student voice and participation in Victorian government schools is being encouraged and monitored (Department of Education and Training, 2014) • Youth voice in government priority setting and youth-focused policy, program and service design and empowering individual young people in their own care (State of Victoria, 2016) • We need to make sure adults listen to children and young people and take their views seriously (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2018) • The National framework for protecting children focuses on early intervention and prevention and action on critical areas of children’s wellbeing (Commonwealth of Australia, 2009) • Improving the safety of young people and reducing the likelihood that individuals will engage in offending behaviour is an important priority (Australian and New Zealand Crime Prevention Senior Officers’ Group, 2012) There is significant evidence to show that young people are disproportionately affected by crime as both offenders and victims • There is a National plan to achieve a significant and sustained reduction in violence against women and their children (Department of Social Services, 2011, 2016).
Key directions and actions for Kingston Youth Services
KEY DIRECTIONS
ACTIONS
3.1 Young people feel safe, connected and a sense of belonging
• Ensuring young people have a genuine voice and input: Providing opportunities for young people to have direct input into Council plans, programs and services and ensuring that youth participation principles are applied.
3.2 Young people and their families have easy access to youth-related information and resources
• Strengthening our online and social media networks: Increasing and improving Youth Services’ online and social media presence (i.e. Facebook, Instagram and emerging platforms). Developing and curating digital resources. Establishing a profile as the “go-to place” for young people and adults to locate credible youth-related facts, tips and resources.
3.3 Young people are involved and have a voice in local matters that affect them
• Partnering with others to increase visibility in the community: Increasing outreach efforts, having a visible presence at Council events, partnering and co-branding youth events and communicating via school and community newsletters. • Partnering with teams across Council departments: Increasing outreach efforts, having a visible presence in the community and building organisational capacity to consistently access and engage with young people. • Increasing our engagement with young people aged 18 to 25: Increased efforts in understanding the needs of 18-25 year old and providing additional services.
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Priority 4: Kingston’s young people are prepared Many young people told us they feel unsure about the future which can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Young people experience many significant changes and transitions including: commencing Year 7, the next step after VCE/VCAL (Year 13), starting work and becoming an independent young adult. We want to create an environment where they feel optimistic, hopeful and confident to take the next step and understand what that might look like. What our young people told us
In the consultation for this Strategy we heard
Findings from the 2017 Resilience Survey for secondary students showed that many young people can make good decisions, but feeling positive and have a purpose about their future could be increased:
“Programs to prepare students for the working world and how to deal with life after school”
79%
make good decisions
– Young person aged 19
67%
feel positive about their future
63%
feel in control of their life and future
62%
feel a sense of purpose in life
– Young person aged 16
“Training about general life stuff: taxes, bills, super etc” “Greater access to volunteer opportunities and internships” – Young person aged 20
“Creating volunteering groups which work towards helping others in their community” – Educator/Service Provider
“More working and volunteering opportunities” – Educator/Service Provider
“Assistance in volunteering opportunities and work experience” – Parent/Carer
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What the research says Recent research from around Australia on young people focuses on being prepared for, and having pathways, to work and independent living: • There are challenges and opportunities ahead for young people as the most significant disruption in the world of work since the industrial revolution begins to have an impact in the next decade. Young Australians need to learn the skills to be digitallyliterate, financially-savvy, innovative and adaptable to help them navigate complex careers of the future (Foundation for Young Australians, 2016) • As technology reduces the need for workers to complete routine, manual tasks they will spend more time focusing on people, solving more strategic problems and thinking creatively (Foundation for Young Australians, 2017) • Disruptive innovations are creating new industries and business models, and destroying old ones. New technologies, data analytics and social networks are having a huge impact on how people communicate, collaborate and work (PwC, no date) • While the overall rate of homelessness has been relatively stable over the last 12 years, increasing numbers of children, families and older people are experiencing homelessness (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008) • Youth homelessness continues to be a problem in modern Australian society and is symbolic of social inequality and injustice in an otherwise affluent society (Commonwealth of Australia, 2012) • The Victorian Government supports mentoring in lots of different ways as part of the larger goal to improve things for all young Victorians. Mentoring programs are a way to help you to achieve your goals and improve your connection to family, friends, school and your community. They also help you to get involved in new opportunities that can lead to long-term positive outcomes (Youth Central, 2019c)
Key directions and actions for Kingston Youth Services
KEY DIRECTIONS
ACTIONS
4.1 Young people are supported to make good choices and handle transition periods
• Partnering to deliver new ‘Adulting’ workshops: Covering basic life skills and general knowledge around topics such as how to rent, preparing a budget, paying taxes and securing a loan. • Strengthening support to Year 7 students: Providing support to Year 7 students during lunchtime to reduce social isolation and build young people’s capacity to address challenges.
4.2 Young people to gain transferable skills to strengthen employment options
• Facilitating work-ready accredited/certified workshops: Including Responsible Service of Alcohol, Responsible Service of Food (RSF) and Prepare and Service Espresso Coffee. • Collaborating to raise awareness about the world of work: Exploring ways to increase young people’s employability skills and understanding about the changing employment landscape.
4.3 Meaningful developmental opportunities • Co-designing services and programs: Providing opportunities for young are available to young people people to participate in the development of new and revised programs and services provided by Kingston Youth Services. • Short term internships within existing service scope: Providing opportunities that allows young people to gain hands on experience with Kingston Youth Services staff. • Establishing a creative theatre program: Providing a platform for 17 to 25 year olds to upskill and establish themselves in the theatre world. • Increase local youth volunteering opportunities: Facilitating volunteering options where young people can connect, interact, develop new relationships within the wider community.
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Implementing and Reporting This Youth Strategy outlines Council’s commitment to hearing from and collaborating with young people. The Youth Services team will oversee and coordinate the implementation of the key directions and actions in this Strategy. The team will also work collaboratively within Council, with external stakeholders and the community to implement or advocate for agreed key directions and actions. The team will monitor and report progress made on an annual basis. These reports will be made available online via kingstonyouth.org.au
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Young people’s aspirations for their future When thinking about their future and the next 10 years, young people hoped for… I hope I will have a good job that I enjoy and love (Young person aged 18)
I’d like to be an accomplished artist and or musician (Young person aged 22)
Kids, stable job, husband, good health and house
A roof over my head and food on plate
Famous, rich, loved, have friends
(Young person aged 12)
(Young person aged 13)
I have no idea, I am very uncertain about the future and haven’t set my mind on anything
(Young person aged 23)
Have my own house, supporting my future
(Young person aged 18)
I hope to be happy, have finished education, good income and be surrounded by family (Young person aged 12)
I don’t even know if I will be alive by then. But if I am I would like to be living alone, travelling a lot, doing what I love, working in film and not struggling to get by
(Young person aged 21)
Owning a property - adopting more animals - stable career - physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy (Young person aged 25)
Good job (Young person aged 15)
Well travelled and educated. Climbing in a job I love (Young person aged 20)
(Young person aged 17)
Own a house
Hopefully I’ll be working as a Paramedic. It’s the Australian dream to own your own home so I suppose investing in property would be ideal, although I struggle to imagine being able to afford a house
(Young person aged 25)
Happy
(Young person aged 20)
(Young person aged 14)
I hope I will have a good job that I enjoy and love
Not sure yet (Young person aged 19)
(Young person aged 18)
I will have a job and a house which I will have enough money to pay for maybe even travel
(Young person aged 22)
(Young person aged 14)
Unsure
Family, job security, safety
(Young person aged 23)
(Young person aged 19)
Rich and famous (Young person aged 21)
Breathin n still pretty stoked
Good job that pays well, nice home, starting a family
Alive (Young person aged 13)
(Young person aged 17)
Going to Uni and having a house Do the things I like (Young person aged 15)
Business goals
(Young person aged 16)
(Young person aged 24)
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Appendix 1: Youth Participation Framework
Westhorpe’s Continuum (1987) Kingston Youth Services embraces the continuum proposed by Westhorpe (1987) as the basis for youth participation practice. As shown below, there are six points on the continuum which move from ad hoc input, structured consultation, influence, delegation and negotiation through to control. The continuum does not imply more or less control is better, but rather that certain stages will be more appropriate than others, depending on the situation and the young persons’ capacity to be involved.
Diagram 2: Westhorpe Continuum (1987) The six stages of Westhorpe’s (1987)Continuum
1
Ad hoc input An environment is established which supports young people to contribute their ideas or information about their needs.
2
Structured Consulatation A deliberate strategy is developed to seek young people’s opinions about what they need or what problems they face. It is a two-way flow of informationand ideas.
3
Influence Involves some formal, structured input in order to ensure at least a minimal level of influence on the organisation.
4
Delegation Young people are provided with real responsibility for undertaking particular tasks within an organisation.
5
Negotiation Young people and the organisation each contribute their ideas, information and perspectives. Decisions are reached by consensus and compromise.
6
Control Young people make all or many of the crucial decisions within the organisation, from policy and programming to financial management and hiring and firing staff.
Kingston Youth Services enables and promotes genuine youth participation by: • Having a youth participation framework, action plan, policies and procedures that are clear and agreed upon as well as clear communication mechanisms so young people, families, staff and other stakeholders are aware of youth participation approaches, practices and outcomes. • Supporting young people to understand their rights. Resources that can be accessed include: Rights and Responsibilities information, feedback and complaints mechanisms. • Promoting and encouraging youth participation in strategic planning, program planning and review and project development. • Dedicating resources to support and systematically monitor youth participation strategies and outcomes. • Establishing a supportive, youth friendly environment for young people to ask questions, raise concerns and exercise their rights. • Ensuring individual treatment, support planning and goal setting involves the young person and reflects their perspective.
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Appendix 2: Background Information
Development of this Strategy Kingston’s Youth Strategy 2019-2022 is a partnership between Council and our young people and builds on the current services, programs and events offered by Youth Services. It presents our shared, priorities, key directions and actions, new initiatives and advocacy areas to empower local young people to be the best they can be. This Strategy has been developed by Council based on direct input from local young people, parents/carers of young people and representatives of local schools and youth service organisations. This process involved five key steps as shown below.
ONE
Review Student Resilience Survey Findings
FIVE
TWO
Review existing services, identify gaps and possible new initiatives
FOUR
Collate dra findings and test with Youth Advisory Committees and Youth Services team
Review Council strategies/plans and youth-related research trends
THREE
Consult with young people, parents/carers, school and youth services organisations
Overview of consultation program and description of participants In 2017, 5,065 students in Years 3 to 12 across 19 schools within Kingston completed the online Resilience Survey. Students shared their thoughts on 10 key areas relating to resilience. The findings from this Survey was an important input into the development of the Strategy and informed subsequent engagement activities. In 2018 and early 2019, 667 participants were engaged via the following activities: • 587 Youth IPad Survey responses (online and paper-based submissions) • 18 Parent and carer online survey responses • 50 Educators and youth services organisation online survey responses • 12 Youth Advisory Committee participants in workshops
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Overall, a total of 5,732 participants were engaged via the consultation program The demographic and descriptive features captured via engagement activity varied. However, the participation profile shows a broad cross-section of students and young people in Kingston participated. A variety of education and youth services representatives and organisations were engaged and parents/ carers were less engaged.
2017 Student Resilience Survey – participating schools: Aspendale Gardens Primary School
Cheltenham Secondary College
Dingley Primary School
Edithvale Primary School
Heatherton Christian College
Holmesglen Vocational College
Kilbreda College
Kingswood Primary School
Le Page Primary School
Mentone Girls Grammar School
Mentone Girls Secondary College
Mentone Park Primary School
Mentone Primary School
Mordialloc Secondary College
Parkdale Primary School
Parkdale Secondary College
Parktone Primary School
Patterson Lakes Primary School
Patterson River Secondary College
St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School
St Catherine’s Primary School
St Louis de Montfort’s Primary School
St Marks Primary School
Westall Primary School
Westall Secondary College.
2018 Youth Strategy Survey – respondents, connections:
71.5% live
41.5% study
13.1% work
39.7% play/socialise
53.7% female
42.9% male
3.4% other
7.3% migrant or refugee
3.1% person with disability
10.8% same sex attracted intersex/gender diverse or questioning
1.9% ATSI
1.7% carer of a person with a disability
49% of 12-25 year olds are aged 12-14 years
16.9% speak language other than english
16.7% volunteer
22.2% socialise
77.8% female
2018 Parent/Carer Survey:
99.4% live
33.3% work
22.2% male
66.7% of 26-69 year olds are aged 35-39 years
2018 Educators and Youth Services Organisation survey – organisations represented: Working in varied roles in the following local institutions/organisations – BGKLLEN
Brighton Secondary College
Cheltenham Secondary College
City of Kingston
Department of Education and Training
Family Life
Headspace Elsternwick/Bentleigh
Les Twentyman Foundation
Mentone Girls Secondary College
Monash Health
Moorabbin Rugby Club
Mordialloc College
OutlookVic
Patterson River Secondary College
Riding for the Disabled
Rotary
Scout Association of Australia
Scouts Victoria
TaskForce community agency
Westall Secondary College
Whitelion.
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City of Kingston
Legislation surrounding the provision of youth services In Australia, there is Federal and State Government legislation and regulations outlining the rights and entitlements of young people. Organisations, including the City of Kingston, providing services to, and interacting with, young people must consider establishing suitable structures and allocating sufficient resources to ensure compliant service provision. Legislation and regulations relevant to young people Australia-wide include: • Family Law Act 1975 • Family Law Regulations 1984 • Family Law Rules 2004 • Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 – Declaration of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child • National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2017 • National Disability Insurance Scheme (Children) Rules 2013 • Youth Allowance (Activity Test Exemption Guidelines) Determination 1998 Legislation and regulations relevant to young people in the State of Victoria include: • Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 • Child Employment Regulations 2014 • Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 • Child Wellbeing and Safety Regulations 2017 • Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 • Education and Training Reform Act 2006
Local government and youth services provision The Victorian local government sector plays an important role supporting and empowering young people. There are several contemporary issues which may affect local government youth services provision. The Child Safe Standards of Service Delivery impact the way Council interacts with young people. Since January 2016, all Councils have been required to meet ‘child safe’ standards of service delivery for children under the age of 18 years. Child safe standards apply to all staff and volunteers at organisations delivering services for children. The standards refer to cultures of child safety, commitments and codes of conduct, appropriate screening, supervision, training and HR practices, processes for reporting and responding to suspected child abuse, strategies to identify and remove risks of abuse, and strategies to promote children’s participation and empowerment. Organisations must demonstrate particular measures to protect the safety of Aboriginal children, children with disabilities, and children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Along with the recent ‘Failure to Disclose’ and ‘Failure to Protect’ laws, the Child Safe Standards have significant implications for Councils. The Victorian Charter for Child Friendly Cities and Communities focuses on increasing participation by children in decision-making forums and creating child friendly environments. Established in 2012, the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Network has grown to over 70 members across the local government and planning sectors. The Charter is supported by a hub which acts as a central location for information and resources ( vlga.org.au/Policy-Advocacy/VictorianChild-Friendly-Cities-and-Communities-Hub). Local government has a role to play in encouraging inclusion and supporting the participation of LGBTI+ community members. The Local Government Act directs that Councils play a critical role in encouraging and supporting active participation in civic life and ensuring that their delivery of services is both accessible and equitable. Councils are also required to act consistently within the framework of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and are bound by statutes relating to equal opportunity. Legal and social frameworks are in place to assist local governments to demonstrate diversity and inclusiveness across their culture and practice, both internally with staff and externally with community members who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer/questioning (LGBTIQ). Emphasis on improving the quality of public participation and engagement approaches. Community engagement is an important part of the good and democratic governance of local government. Councils have been leaders in the constant challenge to adapt and find new ways to engage meaningfully with their communities, including young people. Recent developments by IAP2 (2015 - Quality Assurance Standard for Community and Stakeholder Engagement) and Victorian Auditor General’s Office (Public Participation in Government Decision-making: Better Practice Guide) emphasise better practice in citizen participation.
• Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007 • Education and Training Reform (School Safety) Regulations 2011 • Equal Opportunity Act 2010 • Failure to Disclose 2014 • Failure to Protect 2015 • Freedom of Information Act 1982 • The Commission for Children and Youth People Act 2012 • Working with Children Act 2005
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Councils play a lead role in community planning and advocacy, engage and consult with young people, provide funding for youth services, programs and events and have a compliance responsibility. Local government is the backbone of generalist youth service delivery in Victoria, working with large numbers of young people (Youth Affairs Council Victoria, 2016). Youth Services teams promote young people’s health, social inclusion, skill development and leadership, and provide young people with opportunities to engage in arts and culture, community strengthening and civic life and assist young people to navigate challenges and access specialist services where needed. Local government youth services include, but are not limited to: • Leading community planning and advocacy for young people. Local government youth services play a vital partnership-building role, bringing together the different stakeholders that work with young people to coordinate service delivery, advocate for young people’s needs, and leverage resources to meet local priorities. Many services and schools would struggle to work effectively together and access adequate resourcing without local government’s support. • Engaging and consulting with young people, and building young people’s capacity as advocates and community leaders. Local government youth services are recognised as experts in youth engagement – an essential resource for councils wishing to hear young people’s ideas and solutions to local problems. • Funding, planning and delivering services, programs and events for young people. These are very diverse, ranging from holiday activities to mentoring programs, anti-discrimination campaigns, volunteering opportunities, L2P programs for novice drivers, and social supports for young people at risk of disengagement or marginalisation. • Enabling local governments to prepare for and comply with their statutory obligations in relation to children up to the age of 18. Some Councils also provide counselling services; drug and alcohol services; skate parks; youth-oriented festivals; neighbourhood houses; sports programs, youth-based advisory councils as well as school holiday and vacation care programs (see Know Your Council website).
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City of Kingston
Snapshot of Council’s youth services provision Council plays many roles in relation to young people in Kingston. Kingston’s Youth Services team delivers a range of services, programs, spaces and activities that support young people aged 12 to 25 years who live, work, study or socialise within the municipality. Youth Worker support, information and referral: Council provides free individual support services. Youth Workers work alongside young people to support them with problem-solving, advocacy, linking to other services, empowerment, decision-making, practical assistance, negotiating relationships and communication. Registered psychologists provide psychological counselling aimed at reducing emotional distress and strategies to cope with life’s problems.
Provider
Advocate
COUNCIL’S ROLES
Partner
Facilitator
Community-based youth programs: Council provides a range of community-based youth programs that are free, inclusive and provide young people with the opportunity to learn and develop skills. Current programs include AYC Cooking Program, Content Creators, Media Crew, FReeZA Fuse Productions, Universal youth magazine, Queer in Kingston, Social Impact Program, Youth Advisory Committees, Junior Mayor Election and Junior Council Program and Intergenerational Project. School-based Programs: Council develops and facilitates school programs in all secondary schools to strengthen youth resilience and address current youth issues as identified by schools and young people. Current programs include Year 7 Transition, Years 7 and 8 L.E.A.D (Leadership, Empowerment, Ambition, Direction), Year 9 Map Your World (co-facilitated with School Focused Youth Service) Year 10 & 11 Breaking the Man Code (facilitated by Tomorrow Man), VCE / VCAL tailored workshops, Diversity / Diversity Alphabet (gender, sexual diversity, discrimination laws and being a supportive friend), School Information Talks on services and programs offered by Kingston Youth Services as well as Awareness and Engagement Events upon school request. Youth Centres: Council provides free drop-in spaces at Southland Shopping Centre and Aspendale Gardens Community Centre. Youth Events and recognition: Council provides free youth activities and events to promote drug and alcohol-free environments for young people to safely participate in. Kingston Youth Services promotes annual youth awards to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of young people. Youth Engagement: Council engages with young people and provides input/feedback opportunities through surveys and participant evaluations. The Youth Advisory Committees also provide feedback to Council on local youth issues and provide a platform for other Council departments wishing to seek feedback from young people. Volunteer Program: Both the Youth Services and Family Support Services offer a number of programs and services for children, young people and their families in the City of Kingston. Volunteers provide an important service by assisting in informing and delivering these programs in group settings within the community. Parent Education Sessions and Programs: Council provides information for parents and carers about current issues affecting young people via both Youth and Family Services. Youth Networks: Council supports and participates in youth networks to increase collaboration and information sharing between local youth service providers. Networks include: Bayside, Glen Eira and Kingston Local Learning and Employment Network; Bayside, Glen Eira and Kingston Youth Network; and RESPECT Network.
Acknowledgements Kingston Youth Services acknowledges the contribution of many young people, parents, carers, educators and service providers who participated and assisted others to participate in the Kingston Resilience Survey in 2017 and the Youth Strategy consultation in 2018 and 2019. We would like to thank the members of our Youth Advisory Committees that provided feedback in the development of this Strategy. A special thanks to Cochrane Research Solutions for assistance in developing this document and collating all background information and research. We would also like to acknowledge our artist Angharad Neal-Williams, our talented young adult for providing all the drawn illustrations throughout this Strategy. Angharad’s work can be viewed by visiting angharadnealwilliams.com
References Australian Bureau of Statistics (2017). Catalogue 3303.0 - Causes of Death, Australia, 2016. Australian Human Rights Commission (2018). What does the Children’s Rights Report 2017 say? Child friendly version. Centre for Multicultural Youth (2014). The CALD Youth Census Report 2014: The first Australian Census Data Analysis of Young People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. Foundation for Young Australians (2016). The New Work Order: Ensuring young Australians have skills and experience for the jobs of the future, not the past. Foundation for Young Australians (2019). The New Work Mindset: 7 new job clusters to help young people navigate the new work order. id consulting 2016, City of Kingston population forecast, forecast.id.com.au/ kingston Kingston City Council (2017). Our Roadmap – Council Plan 2017-2021. Kingston City Council (2017). Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021. Kingston City Council (2019). Youth Participation Framework (draft).
Melbourne City Mission (2015). Homelessness assistance for young people.
VicHealth (2015a). VicHealth Mental Wellbeing Strategy 2015-2019.
Metropolis Research Pty. Ltd. (2016). Wellbeing Survey – Kingston City Council.
VicHealth (2015b). Bright Futures: Megatrends impacting the mental wellbeing of young Victorians over the coming 20 years – Research Summary.
Mind Matters (2014). Module 1.3 Protective and risk factors. Miller, H. (2017). Gen Bet: Has gambling gate crashed our teens? Discussion Paper. Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, North Melbourne. Mission Australia (2018). Youth Survey 2018: Comparison between major cities and regional areas. Resilient Youth Australia Limited (2017). Kingston Summary Report. Smith, E., Jones, T., Ward, R., Dixon, J., Mitchell, A., & Hillier, L. (2014). From Blues to Rainbows: Mental health and wellbeing of gender diverse and transgender young people in Australia. The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society: Melbourne. State of Victoria (2016). Youth Policy: Building stronger youth engagement in Victoria.
Youth Central (2019a). Victorian Youth Week, https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov. au/get-involved/youthprograms-andevents/victorian-youth-week Youth Central (2019b). Young Achiever Awards, https://www.youthcentral.vic. gov.au/get-involved/youthprogramsand-events/young-achiever-awards Youth Central (2019c). Youth Mentoring, https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/ get-involved/youthprograms-andevents/youth-mentoring Youth Affairs Council Victoria (2018). Youth service delivery in Melbourne’s interface local government areas: Gaps, strengths, emerging issues. Discussion paper.
State of Victoria – Department of Health and Human Services. Child Safe Standards, https://providers.dhhs.vic. gov.au/child-safe-standards
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1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham VIC 3192 PO Box 1000, Mentone VIC 3194 1300 653 356 131 450 info@kingston.vic.gov.au kingston.vic.gov.au cityofkingston @kingstoncc