Youth Pathways - YP

The objective of YP is to assist the most at risk young people make a successful transition through to completion of year 12 (or its equivalent) and ultimately, to further education, training or employment and active participation in the community.

Youth Pathways assists young people 13-19 years of age who are most at risk of not making a successful transition through school and beyond. The young people in the YP target group often experience a combination of issues which present barriers to education and successful transition including social, educational, mental health, relationship and housing barriers. Youth Pathways Advisors work with the young people to create pathways to education, employment and training whilst also addressing identified barriers through providing support and referral to appropriate services.

Case Studies
Aaron was referred to Youth Pathways from Colony 47’s Reconnect Program after having worked through some family issues. He had a previous criminal record, along with some fairly serious behavioural issues, largely due to frustrations from not fitting into “mainstream” education. YP worked with Aaron to identify his passion and it became clear that he had strong skills and an interest in the IT area.
An opportunity arose for Aaron to undertake a School-Based Traineeship with an IT company. The employer had concerns given the student’s previous history, and was experiencing some confusion about what the Traineeship entailed. Youth Pathways spent time fostering the relationship, liaising on behalf of Aaron with all parties involved including the employer, school and parents. YP was able to provide initial support on commencement in the workplace, which also enabled all parties to feel confident that the employer, school and importantly, the student’s needs would be met by the Traineeship. Aaron is continuing to work exceptionally well in his modified school program while simultaneously obtaining invaluable work and life experience. Working in an area that he is passionate about has seen many positive changes occur in Aaron’s life and relationships.

Examples of barriers young people may experience include:

• Behavioural issues
• Carer Responsibility
• Disability
• Disconnected from family
• Drug, alcohol and substance abuse
• History of truancy, suspension, exclusion from school
• Homelessness
• Low literacy/numeracy
• Low school achievement
• Mental Health Concerns
• Potential MH not recognized
• Under Juvenile Justice/Order/History of Criminal Behaviour
• History of dissatisfying experiences at school (bullying)
• Low Self Esteem
• Other

Forms
Participant Registration Form
Referral form for schools