This document outlines the key needs and support services available for youth populations. It discusses educational opportunities, health services, financial assistance, counseling services, recreational activities, employment support, housing assistance, injury prevention programs, mental health and substance abuse services. The overall goals are to provide youth with opportunities to develop independence and a sense of identity while maintaining security, safety and high self-esteem.

1. Needs of the Youth

2. O Educational opportunities are provided to all young
people
O Health systems have youth specific services to cater for
this population
O Financial assistance packages available through
centerlink
O Counseling services such as kids help line for providing
support with the struggles of being apart of the youth
population
O Recreational facilities e.g. skate parks, entertainment
venues etc.

3. O School is compulsory between ages of 6 and 15
O Number of inceptives to participate in post-compulsory
education e.g. unit, TAFE
O Youth allowance available for students with low income
O Private coaching to improve education

4. O Important for young people to develop independence
through employment
O Employment consists of part-time and casual rather then
full time due to schooling and various other activities
O Employment assistance is given to youth through
centerlink

5. O For young people with low income families the
government provides assistance
O Variety of educational and employment allowances

6. O As injury is the leading cause of death in youth
population there are national programs to reduce the
risk of injuries occurring
O E.g. national road safety strategy, National injury
prevention plan, OHS commission etc.
O Health system provides many youth health services to
cater for the specific needs of this population group.
O The national Mental health Strategy and the National
Drug strategy have many initiatives to promote
awareness and provide support for your people with
mental health or substance abuse.
O It is important for young people to know how to access
such services.

7. O This population group usually has low income,
so common type of accommodation is renting
or paying board at home.
O Housing assistance is available for those who
can not stay at home or gain accommodation,
e.g. national rental affordability scheme.
O The department of family housing community
service has established a program to assist
young people which helps young people
improve engagement with family

8. Security and Safety
O Ideally development for independence
should occur in a natural environment
such as with a supportive family and
suitable peers.

9. Self Esteem
O How young people view and feel about
themselves effects the way they live their
lives, opinions are shaped by family,
school work, friendships etc.

10. Sense of Identity
O During adolescents people develop sense
of identity
O Peers and and peer acceptance becomes
significant
O Good role models are critical at this stage
of identity development