AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
NYPS Project Update - 04/02/2005
We're definitely starting to fire up now!!!!
UPDATE
The draft models document is currently under review by the Reference Group and
the aim is that it will be out there for public consultation by mid-February.
The ACIAFMHA team and young people have been busy collating the ideas into
the 'POSH' draft models document and developing the marketing
material. Meanwhile the IT people in AICAFMHA have been using the ideas
from the young people to develop the youth/adult online survey, which is really
starting to come together!
Once again we have to say...if you and/or a group of young people/workers would like to give comment simply email Dy on smith.dy@saugov.sa.gov.au or give us a call on 08 8161 7338 so we can discuss a process which best suits your needs. Also, if you need any extra information or marketing material to advertise this opportunity within your local community we are happy to help out!
Very soon, POSTERS and POST CARDS developed by youth about the project will be printed so if you can display some or hand them out please contact Dy.
Just remember, we truly do want to hear the good, the bad and the UGLY!
Now, A bit more of a TASTE about the models....
MODEL 1
Cyberspace and Consultation
Youth are talking over the Internet
AND
Youth who are already in groups are paid to give feedback as consultants
Level of Involvement/Decision Making (Westhorpe (1987))
Ad Hoc
At this end of the continuum, an environment is established where young people
are able to contribute their ideas or information about the needs. This strategy
flows directly out of the right of young people to be included in and informed
about decisions affecting their lives. If an organization is undertakes this,
an environment will develop where the view and concerns of young people are
heard and can be incorporated in the project design.
Structured Consultation
This involves deliberately developing a strategy to seek young people's
opinions about what they need, what problems they face or what strategy might
be able to respond. Consultation implies a two-way flow of information and
ideas.
MODEL 2
Link-Up
Youth start to talk over the phone and meet face to face.
Level of Involvement/Decision Making (Westhorpe (1987))
Influence
This involves some formal, structured input in order to ensure at least a
minimal level of influence on the organization.
Delegation
Young people are provided with real responsibility for undertaking particular
tasks of an organization. Clear guidelines must be provided and there must be
a mutual understanding of the extent of power that young people have.
MODEL 3
Speak Out
Youth work with adults not for adults.
Youth do the organizing for the talking to happen.
Level of Involvement/Decision Making (Westhorpe (1987))
Negotiation
Young People and the rest of the organization each contribute their ideas,
information and perspectives and decisions are reached by consensus and
compromise. This implies that young people have some bargaining power and
that decisions are acceptable to all parties.
Control
NB: It is unexpected this level of youth participation will not be reached
for the NYPS
Control implies that young people make all or many of the crucial decisions
within the organization, from policy and programming to financial management
and hiring and firing of staff. Research supports the view total control is
rare, expect in organizations, which are only open to youth.
EMAILING LIST
A request has come through to have an online forum. If you wish to post
information in regard to the National Youth Participation Strategy at any
time, please email aicafmha_youth_participation@www.aicafmha.net.au
and we at AICAFMHA will be happy to circulate it.
NB: We encourage you to use this emailing list as a discussion tool in regard
to the field of youth participation or I am happy for you to email me (Dy)
directly if you have any information you would like to have put 'out there' for
discussion.
INFORMATION UPDATE
The Wheel of Participation (Halldorson 1996) is a model developed by Brian Hill,
a youth facilitator of the Capacity Building Workshop for Indigenous Peoples.
This model is based on the idea that all people are connected to different
levels and structures within their life and society. Therefore any marketing
approach needs to engage with youth at different levels to ensure a diverse
group is engaged.
NMHP - National Mental Health Plan
NSPS - National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Locally
Word of mouth is the 'key'. E.g. ACIAFMHA spreading the word to 'key people'
in the local area. School focus days where Internet access of the website is
encouraged. Putting it on the SRC agenda. Collecting, stories and photographs
of youth participating in programs under the NMHP and NSPS.
Publishing them in the local area.
Community
E.g. Stickers, tattoos, pens, posters and post cards at Youth Centers,
Libraries, Schools, Sport Centers, GP waiting rooms. Advertising on community
radio stations, newsletters and community papers. Connect Youth Advisory
Councils and other community based organizations.
State
E.g. Advertise in state based magazines, electronic emailing lists and radio.
Attendance at state conferences and state based events, e.g. Big Day Out.
Connect with state government and non-government peak bodies and encourage
NYPS to be an agenda item. Support programs under the NMHP and NSPS to
discuss the NYPS with their young people, e.g. free workshop provided as to
the benefits or youth and adults working in partnership.
Interstate/National
E.g. Connect with National Programs, e.g. Reach Out. Advertise on radio, e.g.
Triple J, Electronic Mailing Lists, e.g. YouthGas. Attend National Youth
Events and Youth Conferences. SMS registered young people about upcoming
events. Free call number available for youth to register interest, ideas and
issues.
There are numerous reasons why youth interested in the National Youth
Participation Strategy may engage at different levels along the continuum.
Variables identified during consultations include:
Young people's life experiences,
Level of functioning,
Skills development,
Access to resources
Interest/motivation and
Guardian's views
REFERENCES
Halldorson, L., et. al., (1996). "Claiming Our Place in the Circle: Indigenous
Children's Rights. A report on the Caring for Indigenous Children Capacity
Building Workshop and a Plan for action." Victoria, Canada: The school of
Child and Youth Care, and the Aboriginal Liaison Office, University of Victoria
and UNICEF.
Westhorpe, G. ((1987)). "Planning for youth participation: A resource Kit."
Dyanna Smith-McCue
National Youth Participation Strategy Project Officer
smith.dy@saugov.sa.gov.au
Ph: (08) 8161 7338
Fax: (08) 8161 6983
PO Box 387, Stepney SA 5069
http://www.aicafmha.net.au/youth_participation/index.html
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