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Generalist youth services provide information, advice and counselling to young people and often link young people into specialist programs if these are required. |
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Most areas have several youth support services, but the types of service, names and the way they operate vary a lot. |
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Specialist youth services and programs usually focus on providing assistance or treatment for a particular problem or issue. |
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Reconnect' programs aim to prevent youth homelessness by working with young people and families. |
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Generalist youth services provide information, advice and counselling to young people and often link young people into specialist programs if these are required.
Youth services are usually open to young people from around the age of 10 to either 18 or 25 years (age limits for programs vary). Some services are only open to young people, and some work with family as well.
Most areas have several youth support services, but the types of service, names and the way they operate vary a lot. It can be a bit confusing. It may help to write things down in a note-pad to make it clearer and help you remember things.
In trying to find the right service, it might be a good idea to start with ideas from the school, your doctor or your Community Health Centre. There may also be a listing in your local community directory for 'youth services'.
Local councils usually have youth services as well - call and ask who is responsible for youth services in their region, or try their website to see what links they offer.
Specialist youth services and programs usually focus on providing assistance or treatment for a particular problem or issue. They may have a geographical focus as well.
Examples of some specialist services are:
- Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS)
- Eastern Region Drug & Alcohol Service (EDAS)
- Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Mobile Youth Outreach Team
- Connexions, Jesuit Social Services (a youth dual-diagnosis service)
- Same-sex attracted young people programs
Reconnect programs aim to prevent youth homelessness by working with young people and families. A range of organisations provide these programs, and use different approaches. For example, in outer Eastern Melbourne, there is Reconnect - Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS) - providing family counselling where there is a young person with Alcohol and Other Drugs issues. Reconnect - Regional Extended Family Services (REFS) - provides a wilderness therapy program for young people and also provides support to their families.
Generalist services, medical services and school services will usually refer you to appropriate specialist services. You can also find agencies through the phone book or internet.
Another common type of program offers social support and recreation opportunities to young people.
The activities may be general ones for young people with common adolescent difficulties, or they may target young people with more serious or specific issues. For example, there may be social groups for young people with mental health issues; outdoor recreation groups for young people with drug issues; support groups for young women with experience of sexual abuse.
It can be very beneficial for young people experiencing serious problems to mix with other young people who have similar experiences.
These programs come and go over time, depending on funding and perceived need, so we cannot give you specific examples here. But the youth services in your area and your local council should be aware of them.
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