The Key Tenet’s of Programs that Successfully Engage Young People is a new report commissioned by Department of Communities and Justice and written and researched by Andrew Johnson, Thrive International. The report conducted an assessment of the key tenets of successful programs in 8 Youth Action member organisations working in a diverse range of contexts with young people. It collated interviews with CEOs, front line workers and young people. 

During the study, a total of 86 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in both regional and Sydney locations took part. For the young people, one of their key takeaways was a quick response time to requests, they said that this made them feel respected, they suggested that they looked for a 24-48 hour response time.  

During the study, 8 CEOs or team leaders and 25 front line workers/case workers were interviewed as part of the process. The commonality across these agencies was that the leaders of each of the organisations ensured that their workers were clear about being client centred and the importance of discussing and learning from failure rather than fearing it.

A key strength of the process was working with Andrew Johnson, a global expert in program review with deep expertise and knowledge about the youth sector and young people. Organisations spoke very highly about the participatory approach of the researcher which allowed them to contribute their feedback as well as being supported to develop insight and learning.   

Study participants included Armidale Women’s Shelter, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), Community Junction, Humanity Matters, Julia Reserve Camden Council, Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST), Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS), Saints Care – Youth Rez. 

Key findings 

• A quick response time (24-48 hours) to requests – they said that this made them feel respected.
• Safe and inclusive spaces and providing a sense of belonging.
• Workers who are calm, approachable, open minded and non-judgmental.
• Practical supports including providing food and assisting them with navigating governmental systems, filling out forms, and assistance with employment.
• Feedback from staff from the organisations indicated the following approaches to be successful:
• Open door policy, learning environment, not fearful of failure.
• Client centred, strengths based, trauma informed, wellbeing frameworks and culturally safe.