This report collates the results of interviews conducted with CEOs, front line workers and youth to provide an overview of the key elements of successful programs across 8 organisations providing direct services to young people in New South Wales. The most common approaches used across organisations were: rights based, client centered, strengths based, trauma informed, and culturally safe. There was confusion about rights-based approaches and its terms and whether they apply it – if participants said they did apply it, it was more about being aware that young people have rights.
More work is needed in the area of working with young people with disability and CALD. Elements that participants thought need to be trained and included in key tenets of youth work included: child and youth safety, inclusive practice, community development, and client centred/focused.
You can find out more about the Parliament of South Australia Community Education Office here.