1. Building the Scaffolding: key findings and recommendations

2. Of the community sector organisations: o 13% provided services/programs only to young people o 9% had one or two services or programs provided to young people o 39% provided three or more services or programs to young people Voices from the sector In March 2012 – an online survey was sent through YACVic and VCOSS networks.  213 survey respondents  operating across every local government area in Victoria o 61% were community sector organisations o 12% were local government services o 15% were state or federal government services.

3. Services still commonly rely on multiple funding agreements 74 respondents had between 1 and 3 funding agreements 35 reported having 4 or 5 14 reported not having entered into any funding agreements

4. DIVERSITY Some respondents provided specific services to young people from CALD backgrounds, Aboriginal young people, and same sex attracted young people (n=167) o 34% provided specific services to young people from CALD backgrounds o 29% provided specific services to Aboriginal young people o 20% provided specific services to same sex attracted young people

5. Of 167 respondents: o65% provided drop-in services o56% provided program based services o56% provided school based services o77% indicated their services were only available during business hours o53% indicated there was demand for services to be provided at different times, most notably out of hours and weekends

6. o Youth participation activities (35%) o Employment/training (35%) o Drug and alcohol (35% ) o Generalist youth work (33%) o Family relationships (33%) o Literacy (30%) o Disability (30%) Critical service gaps Service areas in which 30 per cent or more respondents reported critical gaps (n=154 respondents): o Crisis accommodation (61%) o Transitional housing and support (52%) o Mental health (52%) o Education (40%) o Living skills (38%) o Emergency relief/material support (38%)

7. What do these service gaps mean for young people? o Young people have to travel to access services o Young people can be ‘put off’ accessing support o Issues escalate o Young people experience social isolation and boredom o Young people’s health and wellbeing can suffer o Some young people disengage from education, training or employment o Increased family stress

8. Five key elements are critical to building a strong service system: Ensuring support across the life course Early intervention at every age and stage Services working collaboratively Accessible and inclusive services Outcomes focused services