Hey guys,
Just a brief post about a couple of resources I think are great.
Newsletter of the NSW Youth Workers Association
http://www.yapa.org.au/yapa/yaprap/yaprap2010jan.pdf
Includes an looking at ethics, eco-centre planning, impact of commonwealth rule changes. Worth a look
Also great is the ethics blog which poses periodic scenarios - makes you think.
www.youthworketics.blogspot.com
Cheers
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Youth Privacy vs Community Safety
DNA records - DNA testing youth in Queensland.
Article below raises major questions about youth privacy vs community safety and crime prevention.
Both sides of the story are easy to see however if the only use of the DNA file is to solve future offences its hard to make a argument against it.
Unlike a police record which shows up on a national police check (which is now used for all sorts of things including employment, entry to some professions and in the future even things like 'rental checks' on potential housemates) there is no way that a DNA record should add a life barrier to the youth.
On the side of community safety it will quickly identify offenders and allow police resources to be used far more effectively.
On balance,,,,,, at the moment I think its ok.
Article from couriermail.com.au Sunday 10th January
SCIENTISTS have replaced detectives as the stars of TV crime shows - evidence of the dazzling array of technological tools in the modern crime-fighting arsenal of police. None has been as powerful as the use of DNA profiling in solving cases. But the revelation that hundreds of Queensland juveniles have had their DNA taken and, frequently, stored for future use raises important moral questions.
Police face a tough job. Many people will support the storage of DNA samples from young people convicted of offences as an appropriate measure to assist in the investigation of future crimes.
Queensland police report that they dealt with 33,644 juvenile offenders last year and 6541 ended up before the courts. So the 250 or so DNA-tested each year represent a small percentage, and we assume, since police refuse to discuss it, involve more serious offences.
However, the retention of DNA samples from youngsters is at odds with the spirit of other laws that prevent a criminal record as a juvenile following people into adulthood. Likewise, the juvenile justice system is run by the Department of Communities, ensuring a practical and ideological separation from the adult justice and prison system.
Since an overhaul of the state's youth detention centres, the emphasis is now firmly on education and rehabilitation, not punishment. The underlying philosophy is that young people should be allowed, and supported, to put the wrongs of their youth behind them.
Legislation covering DNA testing recognises the need to differentiate on age, banning the retention of samples taken from children under 14. Recent Australian Institute of Criminology research indicates people aged 15 to 19 are four times as likely to be arrested for a crime than those over 19.
Our view is that the law be amended so the age at which DNA samples may be retained is lifted to 15. If no further convictions have been recorded, the sample should be destroyed when they turn 19 - or two years after their release from detention or prison, whichever is later
Article below raises major questions about youth privacy vs community safety and crime prevention.
Both sides of the story are easy to see however if the only use of the DNA file is to solve future offences its hard to make a argument against it.
Unlike a police record which shows up on a national police check (which is now used for all sorts of things including employment, entry to some professions and in the future even things like 'rental checks' on potential housemates) there is no way that a DNA record should add a life barrier to the youth.
On the side of community safety it will quickly identify offenders and allow police resources to be used far more effectively.
On balance,,,,,, at the moment I think its ok.
Article from couriermail.com.au Sunday 10th January
SCIENTISTS have replaced detectives as the stars of TV crime shows - evidence of the dazzling array of technological tools in the modern crime-fighting arsenal of police. None has been as powerful as the use of DNA profiling in solving cases. But the revelation that hundreds of Queensland juveniles have had their DNA taken and, frequently, stored for future use raises important moral questions.
Police face a tough job. Many people will support the storage of DNA samples from young people convicted of offences as an appropriate measure to assist in the investigation of future crimes.
Queensland police report that they dealt with 33,644 juvenile offenders last year and 6541 ended up before the courts. So the 250 or so DNA-tested each year represent a small percentage, and we assume, since police refuse to discuss it, involve more serious offences.
However, the retention of DNA samples from youngsters is at odds with the spirit of other laws that prevent a criminal record as a juvenile following people into adulthood. Likewise, the juvenile justice system is run by the Department of Communities, ensuring a practical and ideological separation from the adult justice and prison system.
Since an overhaul of the state's youth detention centres, the emphasis is now firmly on education and rehabilitation, not punishment. The underlying philosophy is that young people should be allowed, and supported, to put the wrongs of their youth behind them.
Legislation covering DNA testing recognises the need to differentiate on age, banning the retention of samples taken from children under 14. Recent Australian Institute of Criminology research indicates people aged 15 to 19 are four times as likely to be arrested for a crime than those over 19.
Our view is that the law be amended so the age at which DNA samples may be retained is lifted to 15. If no further convictions have been recorded, the sample should be destroyed when they turn 19 - or two years after their release from detention or prison, whichever is later
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Aerosol Art - Legal art vs illegal encouragement
Friday night at Twelve25 in Salisbury I attended the launch of the next (and last for this year) art exhibition of 9 young guys art on canvas.
Whilst the guys are no angels the program (SACE accredited) is helping them realise the commercial potential of their talent.
If you are after some modern contemporary art to youth us some space give the centre a call on (08) 82539928.
The challenge of he program without a doubt is competing with the constant urge too 'express' and to reinforce the legal opportunities and the consequences of illegal activity.
The program has also been really important to a number of the young people in providing a stability in their lives and creating a really positive peer group.
Balance this though with many local governments spending many thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of dollars removing tagging.
In the picture is one of our Tutors Anthony who has been supportive of the program and the key tutor "Store".
Do you have a view?
Rick
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Omega 3 link to youth educational achievement
Recently I co-hosted a event for youth workers within the City of Salisbury as part of the councils support of the sector.
The guest speaker was Dr Natalie Sinn from the UniSA and she spoke about the research occuring in this state (and indeed across the world).
It was a fantastic presentation that really made everyone think about youth disengagement, diet and the link to omega-3 fatty acids.
The presentation made me think as to whether in a large number of circumstances disengagement is just a symptom and that we should be investing more time in treating the problem.
If you want a copy of the powerpoint presentation flick me an email on rhenke@salisbury.sa.gov.au
If you want to go on the invite list for future youth workers networking events in Salisbury SA, email Linda on lweiss@salisbury.sa.gov.au with a brief note.
RYDA Rotary Youth Driver Awareness Program
Just reflecting on a program we run last week for 100 Year 10's from Parafield Gardens High School in SA, it was great. Reading the feedback forms it worked really well.
The 6 sessions are very hard hitting and include sessions on stopping distance (physical demo), session from SA Police, session with accident victims, sessions on hazard perception, safe partying and finance and insurance issues.
It was a massive effort but with the support of the Rotary Club of Salisbury it worked really well.
So if your school is after a low cost (school paid $5 / student) program with impact speak to your local rotary club or check out the national web site and they will work with you.
National sponsor of RYDA is BOC Gases, local sponsors included Salisbury Town Centre Association, City of Salisbury with majority funding from the Rotary Club of Salisbury.
www.ryda.org.au
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Self-harm an often overlooked factor in youth car crashes
Self-harm an often overlooked factor in youth car crashes
Ricks comment
Have a look at this article - perhaps we need to think more carefully about the source of risky behaviour choices full stop to find part of the solution to reducing the road toll. It would be interesting to overlay Omega-3 and diet (which contributes to frontal lobe development - where risk decisions are made).
Source www.news.com.au
By Danny Rose
AAP
November 26, 2009 12:45am
ROAD crashes involving young Australians have an often overlooked cause - the significant number of teenagers who deliberately harm themselves.
A major NSW-based study has found those young people who admit to self-harming behaviour were also at a much higher risk of being involved in a serious car crash.
"Self-harm is a significant issue for young people in Australia," said Dr Alexandra Martiniuk who led the study at The George Institute for International Health.
"We know that this also impacts considerably on young driver safety, as we found those drivers who engaged in self-harm were at a 40 per cent increased risk of a crash."
Self-harm behaviour is often deliberate cutting or burning but also attempted hanging or poisoning.
The research took in almost 21,000 young drivers who held P-Plates and were aged 17 to 24.
Just 4 per cent admitted to self-harming behaviour. These young people were found to have a 40 per cent higher risk of being involved in a crash during a two-year study window.
Dr Martiniuk said it was unclear whether these crashes were deliberate - further attempts at self-harm - or whether they were the result of these young people having a lower regard for personal safety or increased risk-taking.
What was known was these crashes often involved multiple vehicles.
"This amplifies the danger from these crashes, as it's not only the safety of young drivers who engage in self-harm (that is) at an increased risk but the safety of all road users," she said.
The study found self-harm was more common among young women, particularly those who were Australian-born and who lived in regional areas and who reported higher levels of drug and alcohol use.
Dr Martiniuk also said for those young people who admitted to self-harm, many more were suspected to keep it a secret.
The 4 per cent who admitted to it would be "on the lower end of what we think is going on".
"Studies around the world have shown that people in this age group who self-harm range from five to 17 per cent of the population," Dr Martiniuk said.
"It's quite hard to get a measure of this around the world because very few people admit to the fact that they self-harm ... (and) the youth involved are very unlikely to seek help."
The study showed the need for improved methods of identifying young people who self-harm, Dr Martiniuk said, while young driver programs should take this additional risk factor into account.
The research was undertaken as part of the DRIVE study, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, NRMA and the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW.
Ricks comment
Have a look at this article - perhaps we need to think more carefully about the source of risky behaviour choices full stop to find part of the solution to reducing the road toll. It would be interesting to overlay Omega-3 and diet (which contributes to frontal lobe development - where risk decisions are made).
Source www.news.com.au
By Danny Rose
AAP
November 26, 2009 12:45am
ROAD crashes involving young Australians have an often overlooked cause - the significant number of teenagers who deliberately harm themselves.
A major NSW-based study has found those young people who admit to self-harming behaviour were also at a much higher risk of being involved in a serious car crash.
"Self-harm is a significant issue for young people in Australia," said Dr Alexandra Martiniuk who led the study at The George Institute for International Health.
"We know that this also impacts considerably on young driver safety, as we found those drivers who engaged in self-harm were at a 40 per cent increased risk of a crash."
Self-harm behaviour is often deliberate cutting or burning but also attempted hanging or poisoning.
The research took in almost 21,000 young drivers who held P-Plates and were aged 17 to 24.
Just 4 per cent admitted to self-harming behaviour. These young people were found to have a 40 per cent higher risk of being involved in a crash during a two-year study window.
Dr Martiniuk said it was unclear whether these crashes were deliberate - further attempts at self-harm - or whether they were the result of these young people having a lower regard for personal safety or increased risk-taking.
What was known was these crashes often involved multiple vehicles.
"This amplifies the danger from these crashes, as it's not only the safety of young drivers who engage in self-harm (that is) at an increased risk but the safety of all road users," she said.
The study found self-harm was more common among young women, particularly those who were Australian-born and who lived in regional areas and who reported higher levels of drug and alcohol use.
Dr Martiniuk also said for those young people who admitted to self-harm, many more were suspected to keep it a secret.
The 4 per cent who admitted to it would be "on the lower end of what we think is going on".
"Studies around the world have shown that people in this age group who self-harm range from five to 17 per cent of the population," Dr Martiniuk said.
"It's quite hard to get a measure of this around the world because very few people admit to the fact that they self-harm ... (and) the youth involved are very unlikely to seek help."
The study showed the need for improved methods of identifying young people who self-harm, Dr Martiniuk said, while young driver programs should take this additional risk factor into account.
The research was undertaken as part of the DRIVE study, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, NRMA and the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Survey of youth violence. Please complete.
Hi everyone,
If you are aged between between 12 and 24 years could you click on the Govt Ad to the left of this post and complete a survey.
The link takes you to a federal govt parliment page and the survey link is on the LHS.
Cheers
Rick
If you are aged between between 12 and 24 years could you click on the Govt Ad to the left of this post and complete a survey.
The link takes you to a federal govt parliment page and the survey link is on the LHS.
Cheers
Rick
Friday, November 20, 2009
Targeted Youth Grants Now Open
Targeted Youth Grants
November 2009 Round
NOW OPEN
The Office for Youth has opened a new round of Targeted Youth Grants which are designed to support community organisations to develop and deliver targeted initiatives to support vulnerable young people to provide them with strength based opportunities and positive life outcomes.
Organisations have the opportunity to apply for one-off grants between $10,000 and $50,000.
Priority will be given to projects that:
·achieve outcomes for vulnerable young people
·may be sustained beyond the life of the funding
·collaborate with other service providers or community organisations
·incorporate a ‘strength-based’ approach for vulnerable young people.
The initiatives must build on the strengths on the young people in the community to help them address the more difficult areas of their lives and to help them achieve greater positive life outcomes.
The new initiatives funded by the grants will focus on:
·young people at risk of engaging in or who are exiting from the criminal justice system
·young people who are homeless or experiencing housing stress
·young people who have disengaged from learning and work
·building the capability of the youth sector to respond to vulnerable young people.
Applications close on Tuesday 5 January 2010. Funding guidelines and an application form are available at www.officeforyouth.sa.gov.au . If you require any further information about these grants please contact the Office on 8204 8482 or 8204 8477.
November 2009 Round
NOW OPEN
The Office for Youth has opened a new round of Targeted Youth Grants which are designed to support community organisations to develop and deliver targeted initiatives to support vulnerable young people to provide them with strength based opportunities and positive life outcomes.
Organisations have the opportunity to apply for one-off grants between $10,000 and $50,000.
Priority will be given to projects that:
·achieve outcomes for vulnerable young people
·may be sustained beyond the life of the funding
·collaborate with other service providers or community organisations
·incorporate a ‘strength-based’ approach for vulnerable young people.
The initiatives must build on the strengths on the young people in the community to help them address the more difficult areas of their lives and to help them achieve greater positive life outcomes.
The new initiatives funded by the grants will focus on:
·young people at risk of engaging in or who are exiting from the criminal justice system
·young people who are homeless or experiencing housing stress
·young people who have disengaged from learning and work
·building the capability of the youth sector to respond to vulnerable young people.
Applications close on Tuesday 5 January 2010. Funding guidelines and an application form are available at www.officeforyouth.sa.gov.au . If you require any further information about these grants please contact the Office on 8204 8482 or 8204 8477.
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