Key tenets of programs that successfully engage young people
Thrive International, in conjunction with Youth Action, conducted a program review of key tenets of programs that successfully engage young people.
The purpose of the program review was to build on work conducted by the Research Centre for Children and Families, The University of Sydney, who DCJ commissioned in 2021 and 2022 to conduct the following evidence reviews:
Youth Socioemotional Wellbeing
Youth Work - Agency and Empowerment
This program review provided the opportunity to hear directly from young people and a selection of youth service providers about their experiences in youth programs and their perspectives on what common approaches are needed for good practice in youth work.
The eight organisations that took part in the study were: Armidale Women’s Shelter; Australian Theatre for Young People; Community Junction; Humanity Matters; Julia Reserve Camden Council; Mountains Youth Services Team; Regional Youth Support Services; and Saints Care – Youth Rez.
Eighty-six young people between the ages of 15 and 24, in both regional and Sydney locations, took part in interviews and focus groups to inform the review. The young people were asked open ended questions, in partnership with the organisation, with the primary purpose to monitor or improve the quality of service delivered by the organisation. The questions were as follows:
- How does organisation X assist you?
- What is the best thing about the organisation or program(s)?
- How could the service be improved?
- How are your views listened to in the organisation?
Eight Chief Executive Officers or team leaders and twenty-five front line workers/case workers were interviewed as part of the process. They were asked about their key activities and practices, how the organisation involved young people in the design, delivery and monitoring of programs, rights-based approaches, and feedback on the key elements of youth practice found in the previous evidence reviews.
Findings from young people as to what makes effective practice included:
- 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.
Areas highlighted for improvement included training needed in specific areas, such as rights-based training, training in statutory reporting requirements, and cultural safety training.
For more information about the program review and its findings, please see the Full Report (PDF, 821.9 KB).
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