Issues of Concern

What should Australia do to cater for these concerns?

Activity: For each Specific Needs answer the following questions:

1. Why is it important for youth?

2. Examples of how it is met.

Safety and Security

While the individual may be in adequate housing, safety and security, particularly mental/emotional safety and security, is essential if the individual is going to be able to sustain peak health conditions as, without feeling safe and/or secure, the individual’s anxiety prevents them from being entirely physically and mentally healthy.

Health

Health is fundamental to the wellbeing of an individual as it directly impacts other needs. Specifically, mental and emotional health is imperative for youth given the increasing number of young people suffering from these conditions. 

• In 2019–20, young people aged 12–24 made up 22% of all people receiving Medicare-subsidised services specific to mental health. (AIHW 2021)

• In 2019–20, young people aged 12–24 also made up 25% (76,100) of ED presentations for mental-health-related care (AIHW 2021) 

Education

Education is critically important for youth as it the key marker for employment. Experiences in education can greatly contribute to a young individual’s self-esteem and sense of identity. If individuals do not have a satisfactory level of education, it will limit possible employment or tertiary opportunities in the future which in turn impacts their wellbeing.

• In May 2020, around 88% of young people aged 15–24 were engaged in education and/or employment – 4% less than in 2019 (92%). (AIHW 2021) 

Sense of Identity

A young person’s sense of identity can be affected by their involvement in school activities, employment and their academic/sporting ability. However when a young individual leaves school, it provides them with the opportunity to reshape their identity and express their own individuality without the influences of family and school.

Employment

Employment may be an essential part of ensuring an adequate standard of living as their family is unable to fully provide for them, this can be remedied through familial informal or government formal assistance. Though many young people are employed, employment is necessary to satisfy wants and therefore impact upon thier sense of identity.

Adequate Standard of Living

Young Australians may make poor food choices as a result of convenience; even though there are dietary guidelines that have been developed for adolescents and youth some may develop eating disorders, which can negatively impact on their own ability to meet this particular need. Clothing choices are affected by the need to fit within a group and conform by wearing certain brands and styles 

In your opinion what are the two most significant needs for Youth? Why?

What types of services do people within the group require access to?

Financial Support 

If a young person is not eligible for youth allowance, they will have to study and work at the same time which will have a detrimental impact on their education.  Centrelink provides the youth allowance for individuals that are eligible which has a positive impact on the individual's economic wellbeing. 

Accommodation

If young people cannot access accommodation they may end up living in an abusive or unsafe household with their families or they could be kicked out of the house, leaving them on the streets. Youth off the streets provide a range of homelessness and housing support services for young people aged 25 and under.

Transport

If a young person is not able to access transport, they may not have the ability to access education or employment oppertunities which would therefore decrease their overall wellbeing. Public transport provides free or concession discounts for youth.

Legal Aid

If this legal aid is not accessible, it can impact negatively on an individual's wellbeing as stress may increase due to the fact that no one advocating for their rights. Youth Hotline provides legal advice and information over the phone to young people under 18.

Employment

Employment allows individuals the opportunity to work, gain independence, form relationships and earn money. The NSW Government's Smart, Skilled and Hired Youth Employment Program gives eligible young people help to overcome employment barriers and get them into a sustainable job. 

Education

If this need is not met, many youth cannot find employment. This decreases economic, physical and social wellbeing. It can also lead to a poorer quality of life. The Smith Family helps young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty.

Counselling

Without access to counselling, youth, may have not have the support and ability to overcome the various mental and emotional health issues that are increasing in this demographic. Beyond Blue offers free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.

Health Care

Healthcare is vital for a youth to access in order to maintain a high standard of health and physical wellbeing. Medicare provides free healthcare for Australians as well as financial help for eligible people age 16-24.

CAR:

• • Characteristics of the individual

  • Aspects of the service

  • Resources 

All individuals need to access various resources throughout their lives in order to maintain their wellbeing. At times, groups with specific needs might require additional resources, or might need to access resources more regularly than those who do not have specific needs.

Age:

The number of years a person has lived may impact on the choice in services available due to physical location, eligibility if still a minor (18 years old) and possibly a lack of confidence for younger youths.

Gender:

A person being either male or female. Some types of services are gender based, such as GPs who only see females for Reproductive system issues. Many young males are also reluctant to access services to support their needs, such as mental health clinics. 

Level of education:

The attainment of higher standards of learning such as secondary and tertiary education. This may impact youth in terms of awareness and exposure of services due to difficulties either understanding or accessing the information. 

First language spoken:

May impact access for youth, as some services may only be available in a certain language, creating language barriers. For example, an immigrant family needing to access to health care. 

Culture:

Identifies a youths background, ethnicity and traditions. Culture may prevent youths from accessing particular services, for example language barriers or gender issues such as public swimming pools and hospitals with male doctors. 

Socioeconomic status:

Incorporates ones education, income and employment in one package. This may affect what services they access. Services that incur significant costs and are further distances away may inhibit this group’s access as they have less disposable income available and may be embarrassed to access.

Generally: Lower SES = Lower levels of Education = Lower levels of employment = Lower levels of income = Lower levels of wellbeing.

Type of disability:

This means the specific disability a young person might have in terms of SHIPP. Youth with a disability may have further limitations to their access to services, possibly due to physical restrictions, their mental state or lowered self-esteem. 

Location:

Location of a service may make it physically difficult to access services due to costs of public transport or rural/remoteness. Also, there may not be enough availability of particular services if the demand is too high due to population and needs of youth in certain areas. 

Opening hours:

Opening Hours of specific services may not sync with youth while they are busy at school, studying, working or with family. Opening hours often reflect a normal working day to suit employees rather than the needs of youth. 

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality may make a youth wary. This may mean that they simply do not access them. For example, can a youth access a GP without their parents consent? 

Staffing:

Staff may influence access in the areas of gender, religion and culture. Representation matters in terms of providing a service that is accessible ot all.

How available are the services within our community? (Choose one in our community)

Resources necessary to access services. For youth, a variety of services and support structures are available, however, the personal resources available to these individuals such as time, money, energy and knowledge, will affect their access to these services. 

Time:

Time also links with motivation, but some youths are too busy enjoying leisure time or working hard to have life balance so they simply do not feel they have time to invest in accessing appropriate services. Online or over the phone services are the most beneficial for young people.

Energy:

Many youths often lack the Energy or motivation to investigate services. Some could also be quite tired physically from trying to manage their multiple roles in study, work and family. Many young people can also be apathetic in regard to their health and seeking help.

Money:

Money becomes an issue when accessing some services for youth due to extensive costs of access or they may not be able to access certain subsidized services as they or their parents earn too much. Having a lack of money therefore can affect access to all kinds of services, as the inability to transport themself from one place to another to attend services is restricted due to being unable to afford the cost of public or other transport.

Knowledge:

Resources such as Knowledge may affect access to services as there may be a lack of understanding or awareness that certain services exist, especially free services. 

What types of services do youth require access to in order to enhance their wellbeing? (6 marks). 

How can the characteristics of the individual impact access to services for youth? (4 marks).