EDGE Integrated Service Model Partnerships improving outcomes for disengaged young people

Young people in the North 19.5% of the regional population are young people aged 12 to 25 years 59.3% of youth population attend secondary/tertiary institutions School retention rates for the north of Melbourne are between 84% and 90% with Nillumbik being the highest and Moreland being the lowest 7.3% of young people aged between 15 and 19 years are disengaged from education/work in the northern region (compared to Melb average of 6% and Victoria average of 7%) 0.45% of regional population are homeless, and 35% (or approx 1400) are young people with the majority being young women

Young people at the Interface In 2006 we had 238,516 young people in ICs By 2031, 27% of the state’s young people will live ICs Overall young people will have lower educational achievements than metro Melbourne More likely to leave school earlier and to disengage from school and employment Less likely to complete year 12 and attend post secondary education Have lower TER scores High prevalence of disengagement and ‘at risk behaviours’ Engage in self-harm behaviours Experience depressive symptoms

City of Whittlesea General 2011 estimated population is 162,067, forecast by 2031 is 295,000 Growing Aboriginal community 33% born overseas Young People Current number of young people 10 to 25 is 31,000, forecast by 2031 is 58,000 The youth disengagement rate is 16.9%, more than double that of the MSD

Role of Local Government in relation to young people Young people are approximately 20% of the population Of the 79 Victorian LGAs 98% invest providing (or co-ordinating) youth services LGAs are the main providers of generalist youth workers that are close to the ground, flexible and responsive

Local Government Youth Workers Have a key role : Civic participation Prevention and secondary intervention Leadership in collaborative planning and service delivery Policy development with State and Federal governments Sector development Working with schools offering complementary skills to support parents and teachers with the development of young people

The ‘EDGE’ model Young people were involved in the design of the building and the naming Co-located services cover the service spectrum: prevention, secondary and tertiary intervention Some are located on site, others deliver sessionally, some use the facilities for counselling or programs Co-location has promoted a shared approach to solutions, strengthened service effectiveness and addressed all of life issues The integrated model is a successful example of cross sector and cross agency collaboration Young people have expressed they feel respected and welcomed in the space

The ‘EDGE’ model

Shared ethos centred on respect for young people Welcoming environment and quality interactions Complementary skill sets On-site, seamless, cross referral process and secondary consultations Significant relationships providing young people with access to support and guidance Integrated planning and advocacy Project EDGE: Waiting list program. A Youth Connections initiative delivered with Kildonan aimed at transition from disengagement Council and Pavilion partnership