TACKLING problem behaviour among youth is the aim of the Communities That Care Warrnambool program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
CTCW co-ordinator Cameron Price said the initiative was directed at improving the healthy development of children and young people.
“Working very closely with Deakin University, CTCW aims to prevent health and social problems by addressing the underlying factors that increase the likelihood of positive development and decrease the likelihood of adverse outcomes for children and young people,” he said.
The youth survey collated answers from 13 schools and more than 1200 students in years six, eight and 10.
“The survey identified a wide range of community strengths, such as the high level of opportunities for youth to get involved in pro-social activities that build their skills and commitment to the community,” Mr Cameron said.
“It also found problem areas that were significantly lower than national averages, such as smoking, using solvents to get high and levels of bullying.”
Risk factors lower than the national average included peer kudos from anti-social behaviour and a lower proportion of young people who had friends who took alcohol and drugs. The survey found that three-in-four year 10 students had a low commitment to school.
The next steps for the program include identifying what existing initiatives are effective and where there are gaps, and identifying relevant evidence-based prevention programs to introduce in Warrnambool.
“In plain English, what we need to do more (of) and (be) better (at) are programs that give children and young people opportunities to get involved in meaningful activities and projects, give them the skills to participate effectively and acknowledge their efforts and achievements,” Mr Price said.
“There needs to be clear standards of acceptable behaviour, particularly around drug use and underage drinking.
“The cost of prevention is a tiny fraction of the cost to the government and community if health and social problems are not prevented.
“This is why the Department of Justice and Regulation has funded Brophy Family and Youth Services to deliver CTCW.”
A forum in February discussed the problems affecting Warrnambool’s youth.
