YouthScape

For young people and the people around them

The original program briefing proposes activities for three age groups: children aged 4–7, children aged 8–12, and young people aged 13 and over. These are planning groups, not confirmed enrolment criteria. The final pilot ages and locations still need to be agreed.

Young people’s interests, strengths and learning needs would help shape their support. Parents, carers, Elders, cultural mentors and qualified educators all have a place in the proposed model. Families should be able to understand the learning plan and take part without complicated processes or shame.

Extra help with learning

One part of YouthScape focuses on reading, writing and maths. The education proposal includes individual or small-group support, regular practice and clear learning goals, with qualified educational oversight.

Support would connect with what a young person is learning at school. Cultural mentors would help build confidence, belonging and family connection, while qualified educators guide teaching and review progress. YouthScape is intended to complement school, not replace it.

• Reading, writing and oral language practice.
• Foundational maths and everyday numeracy.
• Homework support and learning confidence.
• Individual goals agreed with the learner and family, linked with school where appropriate.
• Help reconnecting with school, training or other learning opportunities.

Culture, activities and trusted relationships

The broader proposal includes after-school and school-holiday activities using art, play, sport and learning. Cultural mentoring, connection to Country and relationships with Elders are part of the intended approach.

Regular contact can give young people a chance to talk, ask for help and build supportive friendships. Planned wellbeing activities focus on confidence, emotional wellbeing and connection. Where a young person needs specialist help, the model is to connect them with an appropriate service.

Practical participation support, such as transport and light food, appears in the planning documents. What can actually be offered would depend on the funded program, permission and safe arrangements.

Helping families find the right support

A second YouthScape proposal focuses on practical help when a young person or family is dealing with justice services, court, bail or returning from custody. This could include connecting with a lawyer, finding the right agency, planning appointments and accessing housing, health or education support.

This part of the program is about trusted guidance between services. It does not provide legal representation or make court decisions. Learning support and cultural mentoring have their own purpose; they should not be used to investigate a young person’s alleged conduct.

Families may need help with several things at once. The proposal recognises that school, housing, wellbeing, transport and family relationships are connected, and aims to make reaching the right service less confusing.

Where YouthScape is up to

IRAAC has prepared separate education and justice partnership proposals. They describe the intended support, staff responsibilities and safeguards, but they are not confirmation that sessions or participant intake have started.

Before delivery, the program needs agreed funding, qualified oversight, child-safe staffing, consent, supervision and clear information for families. You can ask IRAAC about progress or share what would make the program useful for your family.