Giving every school leaver the best possible start in life by helping them achieve a smooth transition from school to adulthood and working life.  Researched British ‘Connexions’ and Australian ‘Pathways’  Not a programme but a goal, a shared commitment  Opened in Waitara Oct 2003  60 Waitara youth given assistance Taranaki Connections

The Framework Working together for Results Governance Support Professional Support Community Support Peer Support Strategic Leadership Finding the resources to deliver support and services Intensive personal support Moving youth from dependency to achieving potential Individual, family, whanau, community & business Ensuring support structures and services are available Young people helping themselves and each other Developing the means to achieve good outcomes for themselves

The Charter A local Commitment to ALL young people Youth needs - Action required New Plymouth District CouncilMinistry of Social Development Te Puni KokiriTertiary Education Commission Career ServicesChild Youth and Family Mayors Taskforce for JobsWaitara High School Taranaki Employment Support Foundation Plus – Health, justice, education, employer, hapu, church and sport organisations sharing responsibility to equip our rangatahi for the future

Resource Centre Working with ALL youth as they leave school. Pathway Plans, purpose and direction Resources, networks, advice and support Coaches as advocates, role models and mentors. Network Over 30 community, business, professional and government organisations networking to assist youth to achieve the best possible outcomes. How we work

Youth Participation Empowering youth to plan and achieve their own unique pathway 100% voluntary – each youth must choose to use Key Factors Goodwill…interest in each individual…non-judgemental Accessible…personalised…flexible Commitment & proactive contact ‘Street’ credibility Empowerment through the right to choose Connected youth – Know what they want… take away what they need Disconnected youth – let down by adults, building trust takes time

Keys to Success Community buy-in and local credibility Key agencies working well together Easily accessible to youth – informal and friendly Available to ALL young people Long term commitment Flexibility to respond to changing needs and service gaps

Challenges Engaging disconnected youth - a complex process Earlier intervention – prior to the point of transition Maintaining a ‘community based’ approach without relying on ‘community funding’ Sourcing & resourcing coaches Determining measures of service effectiveness Operating within resources / capabilities while being responsive to change Small non mandatory agencies…driving for change… can challenge powerful organisations