Regional youth issues and strategies Presenter Tara Moreman

Welcome & acknowledgments I would like to Acknowledge the

traditional owners on the land in which we stand WIRADJURI people I would also like to acknowledge both elders past and present

My back ground Youth crisis accommodation service Neighborhood Centre- support worker &

youth worker Role working with young people who

have disengaged or at risk of disengaging with young people (Youth Connections)

Church youth groups Child Protection

Topics What the issues are? What are the impacts? What you can do for them?

What the issues are Mental health issues Sexual abuse Home life Lack of services, support, opportunities

& activities.

Mental health issues & Illnesses According to headspace the National youth

mental health foundation Mental illness can occur at any age, but anxiety disorders and depression are quite common problems for young people. Mental illness can affect your thoughts, feelings, actions and memory. A mental illness is usually longer-lasting than mental health problems, and causes more distress and disruption to life. There are a number of mental illnesses, which include:

Depression Anxiety Eating disorders Bipolar disorder Psychosis Self harm Excessive alcohol and other drug use

Sexual abuse

According to Child Wise Child sexual abuse is when a child or young person is used by an older or bigger child, adolescent or adult for his or her own sexual stimulation or gratification. Child sexual abuse is one of the most under reported of all crimes. It is now commonly accepted that 1in 3 females and 1 in 8 males have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

Home Life Relationship break downs

Parents with mental health issues

Parents with alcohol or other drug issues

Neglect

DV

Power& Control wheel

Source: Dr Lenore Walker, 1979, USA.

Lack of services, support & opportunities Lack of services for the specific needs of

young people Due to the isolated nature of regional

communities and towns, young people can feel unsupported, alone and don’t know who they can turn too.

Lack of opportunities to explore interests and find employment

Impact of issues on young people Alcohol & other drug issues Disengaging from education Disconnecting family & friends Suicide Mental health issues Continuation of cycles of abuse Become bullied or become the bullies Unhealthy sexual relationships Teen pregnancy

What you all can do for them Pray Listen Be non judgmental Don’t pretend to be something that you not Know the services in your area Get educated & skilled up Build relationships with welfare team at your

school & become involved where possible Know the in school supports Report & refer If you say you are going to do something do it! Be an asset to the young people & whole school

community

What scripture teachers can do… Teach Christ's love- guide the young people

to understand how much they are loved Teach the message of hope Address topical issues such as why is their

pain/suffering, what God has created sex for etc.

Be clear Be patient Be planned Be prepared

What chaplains can do… Be available Know your boundaries & limits Be in consultation with the school &

students to know what their specific needs are

Be creative in your role/opportunity Be open to facilitating/ being involved with

programs, groups and activities Look for opportunity for partnerships with

other support within the school & external services

Attend interagency meetings so you are aware of both services and the current needs of youth.

Ideas of programs to run Core of life Love bites Drum beat Young women’s group Young men's group Rock & Water

Phone numbers to know Child Protection Helpline: 132 111

(TTY 1800 212 936) to report child abuse and neglect 24 hrs.

Youth Lifeline: 131 114 Beyond blue info line: 1300 22 4636 Domestic Violence Line:1800 65 64

63

Helpful websites http://au.reachout.com/ http://www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au/ http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/ http://www.headspace.org.au/ http://www.innovativeresources.org/

Questions?

Thank you for your time

References Child Wise http://www.childwise.net/ Education Centre against violence

http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/ecav/ NSW Police

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/