Media coverage - The Drum: Kids in limbo, Australia's growing reliance on juvenile remand

Throughout Australian jurisdictions detention is considered an option of last resort in combating juvenile offending, with custodial sentences imposed only when other diversionary measures have failed, writes Daniel Feher.

“Despite this principle, the number of youths remanded in detention has nearly tripled since 1981, with 60 per cent of young people in Australian detention centres held without sentencing. This figure points to a need for better youth justice programs to keep kids out of lockup, and underlines the greater problem of how to combat chronic juvenile offending by at-risk youths…

“With research condemning juvenile incarceration, and the costs involved becoming increasingly difficult to justify, it is not surprising that findings from government and community welfare organisations are calling for a shift towards intensive support programs instead. The South Australian Social Inclusion Unit's To Break The Cycle report and Mission Australia's publication Juvenile Justice Snapshot are just two of many recent calls for action.

“They recommend empowering at-risk youths with a sense of control over their lives and minimising the time they spend in custody, with the findings stimulating a range of community, government and non-government initiatives across Australia in dealing with the issue, many of which are reporting high success rates.

Read more at The Drum

Media Release: International Youth Day – a chance to help young people reconnect

As communities around the world celebrate International Youth Day today, Mission Australia is reminding Queenslanders to spare a thought for those young people who are disadvantaged or struggling to cope in their community.

Mission Australia Queensland State Director Penny Gillespie said there are many young people making a great contribution to our communities – but we need to also ensure those who are struggling to get by are not forgotten, and that we do what we can to keep those young people engaged and connected.

“At Mission Australia, we provide support for some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities – people who have often lost touch with their families, disengaged with education and found themselves homeless or, worse, in trouble with the law,” Ms Gillespie said.

“In recent months, Mission Australia staff have reported a particular increase in the number of young people coming into contact with our services who are not coping in their current school environment – and as a result are avoiding classes or dropping out altogether.

“In many cases, this disengagement with school has also led to young people leaving home and ending up on the streets where they are more susceptible to becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.

“Our youth services, such as Reconnect and Project Circuit Breaker, aim to help those young people to reconnect with their family and support networks, and to find education opportunities that will be supportive and responsive to their individual needs.

“As the demand for these services continues to grow, Mission Australia is encouraging government to think outside the box and support initiatives that recognise the fact, not all young people fit into the system and alternate education opportunities need to be provided.”

Ms Gillespie said the shocking events that have occurred in London over the past week should act as a reminder of how important it is to support young people to stay engaged in the community in order to prevent anti-social, destructive activities.

“The events of the past week in London have horrified the world. It is a very disturbing situation when you have young people taking out their anger on their own communities and fellow citizens,” Ms Gillespie said.

“We are fortunate not to have this sort of situation in Queensland. But these events should act as a warning that we must not allow the seeds of this sort of activity to grow, such as high youth unemployment, large numbers of young people not engaged in education or training, and disengagement from community.

“Mission Australia will continue to work with all levels of government to identify new opportunities to support young people who are at risk of homelessness or disadvantage.

“Queensland youth are the future of our State and we want to see all young people given the chance to engage positively with education, employment, family and community.”

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3394 8114 or 0467 783 421

Helping young offenders turn their lives around

A new Townsville service run by Mission Australia is helping to change the lives of young people just released from youth detention.

The Supervised Community Accommodation pilot opened its doors last November and has already helped prevent youths from reoffending or ending up back on the streets.

The pilot was officially launched on Friday by Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Senator Jan McLucas, Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone and Mission Australia’s Queensland State Director, Penny Gillespie, during National Homeless Persons’ Week.

Ms Gillespie said the program is a Queensland first, aimed at reducing rates of homelessness and recidivism.

“This program provides 24 hour, seven day a week supervised accommodation for young males who have just come out of detention and don’t have anywhere to go,” Ms Gillespie said.

“It’s about helping those young people to transition back into the community and get a fresh start in life – so they don’t become homeless, and don’t become repeat offenders heading back to detention.

“We know that young people coming out of detention face real challenges and without the necessary support many can end up homeless or return to a life of crime.

“Through this service, our staff work with the young people to help them make positive decisions about their future, to find secure long-term accommodation and to get back to school or into work.

“We also place a great focus on reconnecting with families and support networks, which will help the youths stay on track in the future.

“The program is already achieving great results, with a number of young offenders who have accessed our service now back at school or starting new jobs – making a positive contribution to their community.

Ms Johnstone said the Queensland Government was pleased to be funding this important service, with $3 million committed over three years.

“We know that there is genuine concern about youth homelessness in Townsville and young people coming out of detention are particularly vulnerable,” Ms Johnstone said.

“The Mission Australia staff who work at this service are dedicated individuals with the experience and knowledge to help these young people get the support they need to get their lives back on track.

“This is not only helping to build a better future for these young people, it is also helping to make our whole community safer by preventing homelessness and youth crime.”

Senator McLucas said the service is playing an important part in the Gillard Government’s efforts to reduce homelessness around Australia, through the Homelessness National Partnership Agreement.

“This pilot is a great example of how grass roots community services can make a real difference to reducing homelessness across Australia,” Senator McLucas said.

“Ensuring these young people have a safe place to call home is an essential part of helping them turn their lives around.

“The service is providing a roof over the heads of some of our more vulnerable members of the local community and helping them to stay connected and lead productive, healthy lives.”

The Supervised Community Accommodation service targets primarily 16-18 year old young males who:

• Are residing in Townsville catchment areas 


• Are leaving detention on either a Supervised Release Order or bail 


• Are homeless or at risk of homelessness 

The service can support up to 4 young people at any time and Mission Australia works intensively with them for up to 6 months.

Mission Australia is working collaboratively with the Queensland Department of Communities, Youth Justice, and Cleveland Youth Detention centre to deliver the pilot under the State Government’s Youth Housing and Reintegration Service (YHARS).

Photo: From left, Senator Jan McLucas, Service Manager Judy Paton, State Director Penny Gillespie and Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone.

Media Release: Horticulture and environmental programs to help train youth

Mission Australia, in conjunction with Job Futures and Now Green, will launch three new National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) programs this month to provide young West Australians with valuable environmental and horticultural skills.

NGJC is an Australian Government youth development program, offering people aged 17-24 the opportunity to receive work experience and quality training while participating in projects which contribute to significant environmental and cultural heritage initiatives.

Mission Australia program consultant Kristina Hayley said the six month long programs - Horticulture at City Farm, North of Perth Bushland Regeneration and Perth’s City Conservation Youth Project – gave young West Australians the opportunity to learn skills in a diverse range of activities which benefit the environment and local communities.

“Each program offers a wide range of work experience from regenerating and replanting degraded bushland, growing vegetables and native species to all aspects of plant propagation, small construction projects and weed eradication.

“This includes monitoring the water use and solar panel efficiency at City Farm and maintaining the Urban Orchard garden outside the Art gallery of WA in the Perth Cultural Centre.

“There is even a project that involves growing designer mushrooms using recycled coffee grounds,” Ms Hayley said.

“At the end of the six month course participants will receive a Certificate 11 in Horticulture or Certificate 11 in Conservation and Land Management and be equipped with practical skills and training to help them gain employment in horticultural or environmental industries.”

Event date:  Monday 15 August 2011
When:  2.00pm
Where:  City Farm, 1 City Farm Place, East Perth WA 6104

Interview and photo opportunities:
Kristina Hayley, Mission Australia
National Green Jobs Corps participants

Media enquiries:
Jo Ann Blizzard (08) 9388 0944 or 0416 038 787

Media Release - Andrew Barr MLA: Nation leading problem gambling service officially launched in the ACT

Today Mission Australia officially opened its new office in Canberra from where it is providing the ACT’s nation leading Problem Gambling Support Service which commenced on 1 July 2011.

Problem gambling is an issue the ACT Labor Government takes seriously. I am looking forward to Mission Australia’s contribution to combating problem gambling in the ACT.

This service is an Australian first, with a focus on both preventing gambling problems and supporting those currently experiencing problems.

It will provide counselling services - both problem gambling and financial - educational information on problem gambling, self-help techniques and important links to other services such as family guidance, alcohol and drug assistance as well as housing and employment opportunities.

Another important element of the service will be outreach services to other locations in the ACT. This will include providing support to clubs to help club staff deal with patrons who may be experiencing gambling problems.

Mission Australia is also working with the Australian National University, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission and industry stakeholders to assist with research on the causes and effective treatment of problem gambling.

The support service is being funded through the Problem Gambling Assistance Fund. All gaming machine licensees are required to contribute to this fund and it also includes voluntary contributions from ACTTAB and Casino Canberra.

Mission Australia was selected from a competitive public tender process and currently provides gambling counselling services at 13 sites across NSW. The service has six full time staff who between them have 30 years of counselling experience.

Clients can access the support service in a number of ways including face to face and over the phone. The number for the service is 1800 858 858.

The service will extend to provide support through e-mail and online contact in the future.

Media release issued on the 4 August 2011 by Andew Barr MLA, Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Education and Training, Tourism, Sport and Recreation in the ACT Legislative Assembly

A creative space for young people

Mission Australia’s Clifton Adolescent and Family Support (CAFS) service in Sydney’s north-west is running a free creative group for young people living in the Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and Ryde areas.

Beginning on 16 August and running every Tuesday for the following six weeks, Something Outta Space is designed to help 12 to 16-year-olds use creative tools to explore pressures like study, body image, family conflict, depression and stress - issues that our 2010 National Survey of Young Australians identified to be of concern to youth.

“The idea with Something Outta Space is that art frees you up from the inside out!” said CAFS Service Manager Nicola Hensler.

“No artistic talent is necessary, but we want local young people – or those with a connection to the area - to bring a willingness to have fun, explore and be themselves.”

The first session starts on 16 August at Level 1, 1 Coronation Street, Hornsby, and runs from 4pm to 6pm. To book please call (02) 9482 1366 and ask for our Youth Support Worker, Laura Glasby.

CAFS is an early intervention service that works holistically with young people in the city’s north-west aged who are aged from 12 to 24, as well as with their families or carers and existing services, to bring about positive change in their young lives.

Further reading:

• 'New program tackles top concern from our Youth Survey'
• Click the image below to view the Something Outta Space brochure

New program tackles top concern from our Youth Survey

The Minister for Schools, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, today cited findings from Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians to launch a positive body image program for schools.

Mr Garrett referred to results from our 2010 survey of 50,000 young Australians, which revealed body image was one of their main concerns, to announce the Respect Every Body campaign.

“We know that body image is a major concern among today’s young people, with the National Survey of Young Australians conducted each year by Mission Australia consistently finding it to be among the top issues raised by youth,” he said.

Every school in Australia will be provided with new ‘Respect Every Body’ information packs to help promote positive body image and create supportive school environments. The posters and learning resources are being distributed to schools and available online, with students, teachers and parents able to use the information to learn how to tackle the subject of poor body image and related issues.

Each school will receive posters containing vital information on creating a body image-friendly school and a website with ‘conversation starter’ activities to support discussions among students and in the wider school community.
|
“We’re also providing some practical ideas on how to develop a body image-friendly school,” Mr Garrett said. “The resources are not an additional part of the curriculum, but can be incorporated into existing subjects such as health or physical education.”

The information packs are on top of the work already being carried under the Australian Government’s National Body Image Strategy, including the $400,000 Free to BE body esteem resources, developed by the Butterfly Foundation.

Mission Australia's annual Youth Survey - the largest of its kind in Australia - has been undertaken each year since 2002. Each year the survey asks young Australians aged 11 to 24 what they value, where they turn for advice and support, what issues concern them, how they are involved with their community and their feelings about their future.

The resulting reports generated from the survey are now keenly anticipated by government, community organisations, schools and the media.

The survey closed in most states on 1 July, although young people in the Northern Territory can still have their say until 29 July. The key findings from the survey will be published in November.

To find our more about our National Survey of Young Australians and read past results:  www.missionaustralia.com.au/daily-news/3302-time-is-running-out-to-have-your-say

Queensland Reds tackle Indigenous youth unemployment with Mission Australia

Mission Australia is thrilled to announce an innovative 18-month partnership with the Queensland Reds, which will see the two organisations work together to tackle Indigenous unemployment in south Brisbane.

The Indigenous Employment Project (IEP) will see Mission Australia Employment Solutions and Queensland Reds work with 35 Indigenous youths from south Brisbane to create positive long-term educational and employment benefits.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the initiative is an Australian-first, and one Mission Australia is hoping can be rolled out throughout the country in the coming years.

Mission Australia Employment Solutions General Manager for Queensland Phil Schultz said the participants are looking forward to starting the project.

“We have 25 Indigenous youths eager to meet with the Queensland Reds and start working towards long-term employment,” Mr Schultz said.

“In south Brisbane alone, Mission Australia has over 200 Indigenous people registered as active job seekers. We see the IEP as a step in the right direction towards tackling Indigenous youth unemployment.”

As part of the IEP, participants will learn about motivation, goal-setting, employer expectations, nutrition, fitness, healthy lifestyles and career planning through ongoing contact with Mission Australia and the Queensland Reds.

Queensland Reds players will act as mentors for the participants over the 18 month project – and will be available weekly to offer guidance, support and motivation.

Queensland Reds Hooker Saia Faingaa said he was looking forward to working with the youths involved in the project.

“I know I speak for a lot of the boys when I say that I’m really excited to be able to work as a mentor and confidant to these indigenous youths,” Saia said.

“We’re keen to show the participants that there are opportunities out there for indigenous youths, and that there are organisations out there such as Mission Australia who have the programs in place to assist them with their education and employment goals.”

Time is running out to have your say!

Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians will draw to a close in just over two weeks time, so act now if you want to be heard.

Each year Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians helps to inform government, educators and communities about the wellbeing, hopes and attitudes of teenagers and young adults.

As in recent years, in recent months we’ve had a strong response from schools, students, youth groups and individuals. Yet we still need your help if we are to gain a clear insight into the values, personal and national concerns of young Australians in 2011.

This year’s survey is asking participants to indicate their main three issues of concern, rather than ranking the whole range of issues in order of the most to least concerning. We’re also trying to find out who or where young people turn to for support to deal with specific concerns.

To have your say, complete Mission Australia’s 10th National Survey of Young Australians online at mayouthsurvey.com.au by 1 July. We’re aiming to capture the views of more than 50,000 young people aged from 11 to 24 – but we need the community’s help to make it happen.

There’s still time to order printed copies of the survey - simply contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people – particularly those too young to vote – to be heard by governments, youth agencies and community service organisations like Mission Australia.

RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels ‘Stand Up for Youth’

Mission Australia partner, RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels, took some time out of their busy training schedule recently to visit some of Mission Australia’s programs and services.

In May, players, Gareth Delve, Richard Kingi, Adam Byrnes and Tom Chamberlain enjoyed the flavours and delights of Mission Australia’s social enterprise restaurant, Charcoal Lane.

In Melbourne’s Fitzroy, Charcoal Lane serves high-quality modern and native Australian cuisine and aims to give disadvantaged youth the opportunity to train in hospitality and pursue careers in the industry.

“We really enjoyed our visit to the restaurant. We did a tour of the kitchen, met the staff and then enjoyed a beautiful three course lunch. All the food was amazing but our favourite dish was definitely the kangaroo,” said Richard Kingi.

In addition to the Charcoal Lane visit, several players invited some of the participants from Mission Australia’s ‘Stand Up for Youth’ programs to watch a training session and have a short tour of Visy Park.

Seven young people took up the opportunity and they were not disappointed, with the players showing off their skills throughout the session.

Following training, the players had a brief chat with the participants about how hard they’ve worked to pursue their rugby dreams and achieve their goals – encouraging the participants to set themselves goals and continue to work hard to achieve them.

Mission Australia’s ‘Stand Up for Youth’ programs equip young people with the skills and resilience they need to make positive choices in their lives. We provide support to youth experiencing issues with drug and alcohol abuse, family breakdown, unemployment, homelessness and mental illness.

Image: RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels players with Mission Australia’s ‘Stand Up for Youth’ participants.

Media statement - Andrew Barr MLA: ACT takes national leadership in tackling problem gambling

Today I announced Mission Australia has won the tender to provide the ACT's nation leading Problem Gambling Support Service which commences on 1 July 2011.

Mission Australia is a large national organisation that has been operating in Australia for over 150 years. The organisation provides gambling counselling services at 13 sites in NSW and is highly qualified to deliver similar services in the ACT.

In an arrangement unique in Australia, Mission Australia will offer both traditional reactive services to help those already struggling with problem gambling, and proactive services to help those potentially at risk to tackle the problem before it gets out of hand.

Mission Australia will be able to provide a 'one-stop-shop' to help problem gamblers and their families who are also often affected by the problem. Mission Australia will combine their experience in problem gambling services with the many other services they provide including financial counselling, support services for disadvantaged families and youth, support services for relationships, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, mental illness, housing, and care and learning experiences for disadvantaged children.

To ensure it is able to help as many people as possible the support service will provide a range of contact methods, including face to face, phone, e-mail and on-line including outside normal business hours.
Importantly under this arrangement Mission Australia will work with the Australian National University, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission and industry stakeholders to undertake research on the causes and effective treatment of problem gambling.

The support service is funded from the Problem Gambling Assistance Fund which raises funds from a 0.6 per cent levy on Gross Gaming Revenue. The fund is expected to raise about $1 million per year.

Mission Australia already has a presence in the ACT through its existing employment assistance operations. It will open a new office to deliver the problem gambling support service which will create six new full time jobs.
Problem gambling is an issue the ACT Labor Government takes seriously. I am looking forward to Mission Australia's contribution to combating problem gambling in the ACT.

Mission Australia will distribute their contact details closer to commencing operations on 1 July 2011. In the meantime anyone having problems with gambling can visit www.problemgambling.act.gov.au

Media statement issued on the 7 June 2011 by Andew Barr MLA, Minister for Economic Development, Education and Training, Tourism, Sport and Recreation in the ACT Legislative Assembly

NT Urban Questers top Triple J charts

Jack and Sam Weaver, who were runners-up in Mission Australia’s 2011 NT Urban Quest, are at the top of the 2011 Triple JJJ Unearthed High punk charts with their Skarlett bandmates..

Their entry, ‘Hey Georgia’, is also at number three on the national competition’s overall chart.

In April Jack, aged 14, and Sam, 17, were named equal runners-up with Peter Rautoka, at the Urban Quest Finals Concert in Darwin. By taking part the brothers helped to raise funds for Mission Australia’s youth homeless services across the Top End.

The teenagers from Wagaman narrowly missed taking out the Urban Quest Finals Concert performing ‘Hey Georgia’.

Winners of the 2011 Triple JJJ Unearthed High competition score a concert with The Living End at their school and recording time at Triple J Studios in Sydney.

If you’d like to support the Weaver brothers, who did their bit to support young homeless people in the Territory, vote for Skarlett at Triplejunearthed.com/Artists/View.aspx?artistid=38846

Further reading:
Urban Quest 2011

How do young Australians view the world?

Almost a month after it was launched, more than 1,100 young people have completed Mission Australia’s 10th National Survey of Young Australians online.

Schools and educational institutions are also helping us to capture the views of young Australians. So far 40 schools have also requested 17,000 hard copies to distribute to their students. We’ve also received over 30 requests for school/organisation reports, which give an indication of what their students or local young people value, issues that concern them and their feelings about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues.

This year’s survey is asking participants to indicate their main three issues of concern, rather than ranking the whole range of issues in order of the most to least concerning. We’re also trying to find out who or where young people turn to for support to deal with specific concerns.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people – particularly those too young to vote – to be heard by governments, youth agencies and community service organisations like Mission Australia.

Mission Australia’s Research and Social Policy Unit can compile a report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. However, institutions that are in interested in receiving a unique report need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

Mission Australia aims capture the views of more than 50,000 young people aged from 11 to 24 by 1 July 2011 – and we need the community’s help to make it happen. If you, your class, youth group or someone you know, would like to take part in the National Survey of Young Australians please visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au.

Further Reading

• The Age, 3 May 2011: Fighting the drop-out factor
• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

ABS Media Release: Shedding some light on youth homelessness

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the National Youth Coalition for Housing (NYCH) have joined forces to shed some light on youth homelessness.

To coincide with Youth Homelessness Matters Day the NYCH is encouraging young people who may be experiencing homelessness to participate in the 2011 Census in August.

Chair of the NYCH, Maria Leebeek says the theme of Youth Homelessness Matters Day is Hide and Seek - the hidden nature of youth homelessness.

“The theme highlights that many young people who are homeless are couch surfing in friends’ homes and not sleeping rough,” Ms Leebeek says.

Couch surfers are people who are living in temporary accommodation or temporarily staying on a friend’s or family member’s lounge.

“By capturing where young people are couch surfing in the Census, we are then able to dedicate resources to support these young people and stop the potential slide into chronic homelessness,” Ms Leebeek adds.

It is important that couch surfers complete the Census and mark ‘none’ as their usual place of residence when completing the Census.

Paul Lowe, Head of the Census Program says the support of homeless service providers such as NYCH is critical to the success of the Census.

“The Census gives government, decision makers and community organisations a snapshot of Australia, including the number of couch surfers and people sleeping rough,” Mr Lowe says.

Mr Lowe is calling on community minded people to work as a Collector on the 2011 Census.

“Being a Collector is a fantastic opportunity to help your neighbourhood while earning some extra money,” Mr Lowe adds.

Census Collectors can earn between $1,300 and $2,800 for the casual position and will be employed from 1 July until 8 September.

Applicant information kits are available online at www.abs.gov.au/census or call 1800 420 182.

Media coverage - Sydney Morning Herald: Juvenile detainee findings a ‘damning indictment’

A government reporting revealing that half the young people in NSW juvenile detention facilities were abused as children, and nearly 40 per cent of the girls were sexually abused, is a "damning indictment of approach to juvenile justice," said Mission Australia's State Director Leonie Green in today's Sydney Morning Herald.

Herald journalist Adele Horin wrote that the Justice Health and Juvenile Justice report painted a bleak picture of young people in the state's juvenile prisons. It reveals that nearly one-third of the girls have been pregnant, with the average age of first having sex 13.1 years for Aboriginal youngsters and 13.6 for non-Aborigines.

Thirteen was also the average age the detainees reported first being drunk.

The 2009 NSW Young People in Custody Health Survey also states that more than 27 per cent of incarcerated young people (and 40 per cent of young women) had a history of foster or kinship care.

Ms Green said the current approach to juvenile justice relied too heavily on locking up young people and not enough on diversion programs.

"When you look at the population of juveniles in custody, how can anyone believe that detention is an appropriate response?" she asked.

"These young detainees are a product of years of violence and neglect, and many have intellectual disabilities."

According to today's Herald, between the last health study in 2003 and the 2009 survey, the proportion of incarcerated youngsters who are Aboriginal rose from 41.7 per cent to 47.8 per cent, while they represent 4 per cent of the state's adolescent population.

Read Adele Horin's article here 

Visit Mission Australia's Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island resources page for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the latest indigenous news, current affairs and policy updates.

Youth Survey: a great chance to listen and learn

Mission Australia has had a fantastic early response to its 10th National Survey of Young Australians, with hundreds of young people already lodging their completed surveys online – the first of an estimated 50,000 we expect to receive by 1 July.

We’ve also had plenty of interest from peak bodies, government, not-for-profit and educational institutions keen to spread the word about the largest survey of its kind by distributing it through their networks and adding the Youth Survey link to their websites.

While any young person aged from 11 to 24 can complete the survey online, Mission Australia is also urging schools and educational institutions to get involved.

We can send out printed copies to organisations that are interested in getting a “temperature check” on what young people value, their issues of concern, who they go to for advice and support, what activities they are involved in and how they feel about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues. Yesterday youth in Geraldton, WA, provided 720 ABC Perth with a taste of what the big issues for 2011 might be - listen to it here.

Mission Australia can also arrange to compile a tailored report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. These reports, which will be available later in 2011, contain valuable local data that can help them to plan future activities.

However, schools or organisations that are in interested in receiving a unique report on the concerns, values and thoughts of local young people need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

To complete our online survey or find out more, visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au

Youth Beat service planned for SA

Last year Mission Australia’s National Survey of Young Australians identified alcohol and drugs as the second top issue facing Australia today. And the significant level of concern about crime, safety and violence reported by young people last year was often linked to alcohol.

To help protect vulnerable young people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Mission Australia operates Youth Beat mobile outreach services in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Run by trained youth workers, Youth Beat provides young people affected by drink or drugs with support and transport to overnight care, reducing risk to their safety and demands on local police.

This mobile outreach service has been so successful in Tasmania and the NT that Mission Australia is now trying to provide a similar after-hours assistance service for young people in Adelaide. The Youth Beat Adelaide service will transport young people to appropriate overnight care such as sobering-up centres or stay houses run by other community organisations.

Mission Australia currently operates the state’s only youth sobering-up service, located at Hindmarsh.

Mission Australia Acting State Director Phillip Leslie told today’s City Messenger that Youth Beat staff could help calm young people and diffuse potentially violent situations.

“Typically, the call is for more police and more CCTV to help stop anti-social behaviour but commonly, problems treated with common sense and respect can be solved,” he said.

Having a Youth Beat bus in Adelaide will also reduce pressure on local accident and emergency services, divert young people away from the justice system and help them to reconnect with their families and offer safe options.

The Adelaide service will most operate on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with potential stops including Hindley Street, Rundle Mall and the central bus and train stations.

Youth Beat Adelaide is a little closer to hitting the road following a Mission Australia black-tie fundraiser held last weekend by Mr David and Mrs Janet Rice.

The fundraiser at a property in the Adelaide Hills included a performance by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. The money raised from this event will go towards the purchase and fit-out of the Youth Beat vehicle, which Mission Australia hopes to have up and running by the middle of 2011.

These funds are in addition to those raised by our generous FebFast supporters. To help fund Mission Australia’s Youth Beat bus in Adelaide call Jill MacDonald, our SA Corporate Relationships Manager, on (08) 8218 2828.

You can also help a young person who is battling drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness or other personal challenges to change their life by donating to Mission Australia’s Youth Appeal.

Further reading:

• Past Youth Beat stories
• Youth Beat Fact Sheet
• Mission Australia Youth Services

Media Release: Youth of Australia wanted for national survey

National Youth Week – 1-10 April

To coincide with National Youth Week, Mission Australia is calling on young people to help highlight important issues in their lives by having their say in the charity’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians – the nation’s largest annual report on the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 11-24.

In launching the 2011 survey, Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr Hall.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

Last year’s survey tested the views of more than 50,000 young people – its biggest group since the survey began in 2002 – between the ages of 11-24 (98 per cent aged 11-19).

When asked to rank their personal concerns from 15 issues body image was ranked most frequently in the top three by 31.1 per cent of respondents, followed by family conflict at 27.8 per cent and coping with stress at 27.3 per cent.

Body image was the leading issue of concern for 11-14 and 15-19 year olds and for females. Almost one-in-two 20-24 year olds considered it a major concern.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said Mr Hall.

Mission Australia’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.mayouthsurvey.com.au. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 1 July with the results to be published later in the year.

Further Reading

• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Media Release: Debut performer wins Urban Quest

It may have been his first-ever live performance on the big stage, but that didn’t stop Tevita Moala from singing his way to Urban Quest success over the weekend.

The 16-year-old Darwin High School student outperformed 10 other finalists to win the Mission Australia talent competition at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

The singing pianist brought many in the sold-out crowd to tears with his rendition of John Legend’s I won’t complain.

The young Kiwi national introduced the gospel song as a dedication to a friend in New Zealand who has muscular dystrophy.

Guest judge Deni Hines described Moala’s touching performance as better than that of John Legend’s.

“I want it on CD, ‘cause I’d buy it now,” the soul songstress said.

An overwhelmed Moala was lost for words at the win, scoring for himself 12 months mentoring from Music NT, cash and studio recording time.

“My friend Jeanie entered me in the competition, so if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be here now,” Moala said.

“I was really nervous - this is the first time I’ve done something like this - but I just felt the music and am so happy.”

The Michael Buble and Temptations fan will now put his winnings to work as he pursues his musical dreams.

Jack and Sam Weaver and Peter Rautoka were equal runners-up in the competition, which raised funds for youth homeless across the Top End.

Australian pop idol Mark Holden awarded all three acts a “touchdown”, as well as 13-year-old Shiane Hawke with her collaboration of Amazing Grace and Duffy’s Mercy.

Beatboxer Kane Bishop was awarded Best Composition of the night.

Mission Australia Operations Manager Brad McIver said the night was a huge success and lifted the profile of youth homelessness.

“The money raised will support us to develop new accommodation for homeless youth in the NT and expand our current services and programs,” Mr McIver said.

“Every little bit helps and if we can make a difference in one of the 5,000 homeless Territory kids lives, then that’s what this event was all about.”

Urban Quest will become an annual fundraiser on the Mission Australia NT calendar.

For more information and interviews contact Domonique Young on 8941 9169 / 0433 447 255 or email domonique@creativeterritory.com.

View recent coverage of Urban Quest here

Transform a young life this Youth Week

Before Emma* came to Wagga Youth Connections the 20-year-old had spent four years moving from one refuge to another in the hope of finding a stable place to live.

She dreamt of being a police officer and having a place to call home.

Mission Australia staff at Youth Connections helped Emma to find independent accommodation and she happily settled in the area and established a daily routine and emotional stability.

Emma also attended life skills classes to learn how to manage her money as well as master day-to-day tasks like cooking meals, cleaning and working.

The young woman was recently accepted into the NSW police training course. With the support of Youth Connections staff, moved steadily towards her goal – working three part-time jobs, completing her First Aid Certificate and maintaining the fitness level required to join the police force.

Youth Connections is just one of more than 100 youth services Mission Australia provides to help young people overcome their challenges and get back on their feet.

Our range of youth services includes prevention and early intervention, counselling and case management, education and skills development, mentoring, and residential programs. We also offer innovative programs to encourage young people to stay at school as well as take advantage of further education to increase their employment opportunities.

This Youth Week you can help a young person who is battling drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness or other personal challenges to change their life. Show a young Australian you care by donating today.

* Name has been changed to protect the identity of the client.