AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
National Youth Participation Strategy Scoping Project
AICAFMHA received funding from the Australian Government for publication of the final report of the NYPS Project earlier this year. We are delighted to announce that the final report, the National Youth Participation in Mental Health Scoping Project Report has now been printed.
In addition, funding was received by AICAFMHA to work with headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, to develop a series of factsheets, based on the content of the report. These six factsheets have now also been published.
Copies of the report and factsheets are available for download from this site by following the links below:
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these
documents. It can be downloaded for free.
Order Online:
The funding from the Australian Government has allowed printing of a limited number of hard copies of the reports and factsheets. These can be ordered online by
completing the order form.
Guiding Charter
The charter was developed using information collected throughout the NYPS journey.
The charter highlights what AICAFMHA believes is good practice when working in partnership with young people.
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"We believe young people have the right to participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs which affect their well being. We recognise the need for this process to be facilitated in a respectful manner using a developmental framework, which embraces diversity. One size does not fit all!"
1. Youth participation strategies will be clear and transparent about their aims and processes to ensure valid consent to participate is provided. This will also result in an increased awareness of the benefits in participating.
2. Workers and the young people will agree on the issue of confidentiality at the beginning of the project ensuring that the privacy of young people is protected.
3. A diverse group of youth will be represented. Attention will be given to sampling relevant groups of young people and appropriate sub-groupings to enable all participants to be active in their groups.
4. We will recognise and consider young people:
a. developmental level;
b. social-emotional wellbeing;
c. potential for participation when designing activities; and
d. cultural sensitivities.
Tasks young people are expected to undertake will be matched with these factors.5. Activities for young people will be fun and engaging. Group sessions, break in activities, shorter activities, and games will be used to make projects more enjoyable for young people. If young people are not enjoying themselves, getting bored, or dropping out, methods will be changed and adapted to the young people's interest.
6. A structured framework will be adopted where:
a. roles are defined;
b. available supports and resources are highlighted;
c. project goals/outcomes are specified;
d. skills and experiences of all involved (young people/adults) are recognised.7. Skills development activities will be specifically designed and implemented to suit the needs of youth and adult service providers.
8. Accountability mechanisms will be incorporated throughout the participation process. These will be negotiated with the young people directly involved in the project and aim to provide them with an awareness of the end product and formally acknowledge their involvement so they feel appreciated.
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NYPS Project Contact Details
Sue Garvin
AICAFMHA
PO Box 387
Stepney SA 5069
youth@aicafmha.net.au
Ph: (08) 8132 0786
Fax: (08) 8132 0787
http://www.aicafmha.net.au/youth_participation/index.html
Printable Version