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Building the Scaffolding : key findings and recommendations. 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 61% were community sector organisations
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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 • 61% were community sector organisations • 12% were local government services • 15% were state or federal government services. • Of the community sector organisations: • 13% provided services/programs only to young people • 9% had one or two services or programs provided to young people • 39% provided three or more services or programs to young people
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
DIVERSITY • Some respondents provided specific services to young people from CALD backgrounds, Aboriginal young people, and same sex attracted young people (n=167) • 34% provided specific services to young people from CALD backgrounds • 29% provided specific services to Aboriginal young people • 20% provided specific services to same sex attracted young people
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
Critical service gaps • Service areas in which 30 per cent or more respondents reported critical gaps (n=154 respondents): • Crisis accommodation (61%) • Transitional housing and support (52%) • Mental health (52%) • Education (40%) • Living skills (38%) • Emergency relief/material support (38%) • Youth participation activities (35%) • Employment/training (35%) • Drug and alcohol (35% ) • Generalist youth work (33%) • Family relationships (33%) • Literacy (30%) • Disability (30%)
What do these service gaps mean for young people? • Young people have to travel to access services • Young people can be ‘put off’ accessing support • Issues escalate • Young people experience social isolation and boredom • Young people’s health and wellbeing can suffer • Some young people disengage from education, training or employment • Increased family stress
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