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Initiatives targeting Recommendation 21Australian Capital TerritoryYouth Education Program (YEP) YEP is unique in its approach to addressing the psychosocial needs of young people not accessing mainstream education. It operates out of Youth in the City, a youth centre supported by Anglicare and Youth and Family Services and located in the heart of Canberra. The centre has, on site, an internet café funded by FaCS that integrates the work of the Youth Education Program. It operates as a drop-in centre where young people receive referral and advocacy support for their at risk issues, including literacy and life skills, career counselling, access to educational services and labour market programs and individual assessments. YEP has two full time teachers funded by the Department of Education and Community Services and students are able to study NSW TAFE Year 12 courses online. Students are also able to access youth worker support, community development support and family support to complement their school study. The Youth Education Program has been successful in receiving POEMS funding from DEST and intends to extend the intake of people in the program from 12 to 24 students. YEP also receives a significant level of sponsorship from a local Anglican school, which has assisted in resourcing and training staff and running joint activities with the YEP students. Target Group: Young people aged 15-25 Coverage: Canberra Timeframe: Ongoing Responsible Agency: Anglicare in partnership with the ACT Department of Education and Community Services Website: www.decs.act.gov.au Galilee Incorporated is an ACT charity operating an alternative educational program based on a relational model founded in the value of each young person and his or her need to be respected, loved and humanised by the institution. It differs from many of the other alternatives that are based upon the behaviourist mode of operation. The program is directed towards substitute care clients, most of whom come from very dysfunctional family backgrounds. Galilee's programs are located at Youth Haven farm, a property managed by Lions International that has numerous community agencies operating from the site. Young people in Galilee's programs are able to access a range of services delivered by community agencies such as Fusion Australia, local church groups and the Lions Club. Education programs range from a registered non-government school that offers students the opportunity to complete a Year 10 Certificate, to experiences in horticulture, glass blowing and agriculture in commercial settings. The education services at Galilee are delivered by a variety of professionals and para-professionals including teachers, community health workers, community education workers and youth workers. A range of skills development programs at the farm are funded through the Commonwealth Supported Assistance Accommodation Program (SAAP) supporting homeless young people in ACT refuges. The education services at Galilee are also funded by the ACT Department of Education and Community Services, and DEST. Target Group: Young people aged 10-25 Coverage: ACT wide Timeframe: Ongoing Responsible Agency: Office of Youth and Community Services within the Department of Education and Community Services in partnership with Galilee Inc. Contact Information: Family Services, (02) 6207 1089 Website: www.decs.act.gov.au Young Carers' Package To support young carers, the Government has allocated $0.95 million over four years, commencing with $0.125 million in 2001-2002. The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness of young carer issues with schools, professionals, community and government services. It will also assist with a brokerage program that supports young carers in their education by providing such assistance as additional tuition and school materials, as well as support in addressing their responsibilities, accessing counselling and providing in-house practical support. The ACT Department of Education and Community Services has identified young carers as a particularly vulnerable group. The effects of their responsibilities on their lives include high levels of absenteeism and lateness with homework, low self esteem, and high levels of anxiety and stress. Support for young carers to enable them to succeed in education is extremely important. Target Group: Young people under 18 responsible for the care of family members Coverage: Territory wide Timeframe: Ongoing as funding allows Responsible Agency: ACT Department of Education and Community Services Contact Information: Youth and Community Services, (02) 6205 0533 Website: www.decs.act.gov.au |
