Assist the community to understand society's impact on young people

Last Updated (Wednesday, 09 September 2009 12:24) Written by Nao Guy Monday, 31 March 2008 02:25

Community Development Model

Assist the community to understand society’s impact on young people

“Outside school, young people have most contact with their neighbourhoods an important part of the community setting. The support available within those neighbourhoods, for young people and their parents, can determine whether outcomes are positive.” (Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa, 2002, p 19).

The community can both build protective factors for young people and create risk factors, depending on the environment that shapes young people.

A major government directive, identified in Mahere Rautaki ma te Hunga Tamariki: Agenda for Children (2001), is to change the way that children are viewed and establish their place in New Zealand society as respected citizens with valuable contributions to make.

Youthline is an agency where young people are the focus and therefore valued.  Involving the community means sharing and spreading this vision and knowledge.