When young people are supported, they thrive.

We need a historic investment in young people and the youth sector so that our communities remain supported, connected and strong. 

Right now, thousands of young Victorians are falling through the cracks. The aftershocks of the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continue to impact young people, whose families already face immense stress. The world around us is shifting and gaps that exist for young people across mental health, employment, education and housing have only widened, further marginalising those who most need support. Crime by young people is a symptom of these unmet needs.

Our communities deserve better. We know that youth services are instrumental in uplifting young people and their families. The youth sector plays a key role in prevention and early intervention, helping young people to stay engaged with school, seek job opportunities, find mental health support, stable housing, a sense of belonging and so much more. 

That's why we believe that an investment in the youth sector is an investment in young people and our communities. Our Deloitte Return on Investment study shows that for every dollar invested in youth services, our community gets $2.96 of economic and social benefits in return.

What is youth work?

More young people than ever before need support to re-engage with community, school, family and services, and for specialised help in areas such as mental health, employment and housing.

Youth workers support young people aged 12-25 to engage with their community and develop skills and capabilities to achieve their goals.  

The youth sector is broad and is made up of many professionals who support young people. The youth sector includes youth workers, community workers and other diverse professionals who work with young people in both generalist services and targeted programs.

Youth work as a practice places young people and their interests first. Youth work is a relational practice, where the youth worker operates alongside the young person in their context. Youth work is an empowering practice that advocates for and a facilitates a young person’s independence, participation in society, connectedness and realisation of their rights. 

– National definition of youth work, Australian Youth Affairs Coalition (AYAC)

 

What we're asking for

As the Victorian peak body for young people and the youth sector that supports them, YACVic is asking the Victorian Government to commit to three key reforms. These reforms will transform the Victorian youth sector and change the lives of a generation of young people. 

  1. Increase investment in early intervention and prevention services for young people.
  2. Embed meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes so young peoples’ voices are heard.
  3. Secure a strong and sustainable youth sector to support our young people.