AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
Why youth participation... for programs under the National Mental Health Plan and National Suicide Prevention Strategy?
- Young people can bring new perspectives, influencing outcomes in new and unexpected ways.
- Participatory mechanisms can make projects more responsive, understanding and considerate of young people's needs.
- Policies and programs incorporating young people in their design and delivery are likely to be more efficient and effective.
- The United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Australia is a signatory endorses the right for young people to participate as fully as possible in their society.
The overarching strengths/weaknesses of youth involvement?
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Youth acknowledged as experts. | Level of involvement in decision making variable, therefore young people may not always recognize the outcome as their own. |
| Have some form of input. | Can be time intensive for young people and adults. |
| Able to explore issues or information in some depth. | Supports and resourcing to address barriers can be costly. |
| Increased credibility with the broader community. | Youth's actual input can be limited. |
| Can challenge and expand existing approaches. | Youth may have to fit into adult structures and environments. |
| It can be tailored to young people's interests and needs. | Confusion over expectations can cause conflicts. |
| Developmental benefits for young people involved. |
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