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About Us

Position statements

Download a copy of YACVic’s position statements for our policy work.
More information about YACVic’s current and previous policy work can also be found in the policy section of this website.


Policy principles

YACVic's policy work is underpinned by our adherance to the following principles:

Human Rights

Human rights are the universal rights that every human being should be entitled to enjoy and have protected. Young people have a right to:

  • Share resources, learn, grow and make mistakes in an environment that is safe and healthy
  • Express themselves and contribute in their society
  • Be respected by their community
  • Be seen in their context that includes families, friends, and their wider community and cultural heritage, not as an isolated entity requiring distinct and separate attention

Participation

Participation is taking part in an activity. Public participation is about actively informing, consulting and involving members of the public in decision-making processes. In achieving improved services for young people it is essential to:
  • Involve them at service planning and individual decision-making levels, including priority setting
  • Establish processes to encourage and allow them to contribute to not only their communities but also to the political processes that define the structure of their lives and opportunities

Flexibility

Flexibility is the quality of being adaptable and responsive. A broad range of resources and services are necessary in order to acknowledge, address and celebrate:
  • The diversity and individuality of people
  • The culturally diverse backgrounds of young people
  • The potential young people hold for the future

Collaboration

Collaboration is the process of shared creation—two or more individuals with complementary skills interacting to create a shared understanding. The development of effective and equitable use of resources across all sectors requires:
  • Cooperative working relationships between government at all levels, non-government organizations and the private sector
  • An integrated, across sector approach to planning
  • A focus on outcomes
  • Recognising and working toward the future of young people in our communities, rather than band-aiding or damage control responses.

Early Intervention

Early intervention is a response that focuses on proactive, positive interventions in the client’s life to prevent more problematic issues arising later. Public policy and service provision should be based on:
  • Prevention and education for young people, rather than response to escalating crises
  • Provision of real options and choices, that are vital to a young person’s transition to adulthood
  • The school system, through curriculum and student support, is an ideal platform for early intervention and prevention strategies.

Resourcing

Resourcing refers to the financial, physical and other support provided to an organization. The level of accessible resources for young people and to the youth serving sectors must reflect the:
  • Number of young people in the community
  • Level of presented need
  • Improved access to services and resources means both physical access and information.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is a set of proactive measures to counteract the effects of past and present discrimination, intended or unintended, in employment and program delivery. Proactive strategies based on affirmative action are required in order to adequately:
  • Address the issues facing young people
  • Redress the inequities faced by those confronted with additional disadvantage.

Diversity

Diversity can be explained as the characteristics of individuals that make them unique and able to offer different perspectives, skills, and talents.
All young people should have access to services and programs irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, gender identity or ability. Service delivery and development must reflect the diversity of young people.

Code of Ethical Practice

The Code of Ethical Practice – A First Step for the Victorian Youth Sector outlines a set of youth work principles and practice responsibilities for youth workers. Alongside the Code you can now find case study materials to assist in implementation. Find out more.

Marginalised Young People, Surveillance and Public Space

YACVic and the School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University were very pleased to have Dr. Helen Szoke, (Commissioner, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission) launch a new research report ‘Marginalised Young People, Surveillance and Public Space’ on the 1st of September, 2010. The report examines young people’s perceptions of surveillance and security in inner city Melbourne.
In her speech, Dr Szoke commented:"When I read the report, I was struck by how sophisticated the analysis is, which is in effect what we need when we are dealing with complex issues, where we are trying to address systemic problems with linear instruments."
Click here for more on the report.


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