Youth Participation and Access
The Youth Participation and Access Program 2009-2011 provides funding to local government and community organisations to engage with, and provide early support activities for, vulnerable young people to participate in their community.
The $12.3 million YPA program funds organisations across the state to deliver 100 local support services.
While many young people are doing well, some have trouble getting involved in their communities because of barriers like their background, their sexual preference or because where they live is geographically isolated or socially disadvantaged.
YPA 360 Snapshot: 2009 Annual Report
This new initiative captures the achievements of YPA in 2008, including interesting information relating to:
- young people's participation by priority target group;
- gender/age comparison;
- the mix of activities delivered;
- two case studies;
- broader community participation.
YPA 360 2008 Snapshot (PDF 118 kb) or (Word 30 kb)
Information for program providers
The information for program providers includes important details and tools to help organisations to successfully deliver the program.
Program Goal
The goal of the program is to build strong, active and inclusive communities by assisting young people to have the opportunities, skills and recognition for contributing to a full range of social, learning and cultural activities.
Program Objectives
In line with the Victorian Government’s commitment to young people through Future Directions: An Action Agenda for Young Victorians, the Youth Participation and Access Program will facilitate pathways and transition support through locally planned activities and services, that:
- increase the skills, confidence and ability of young people to actively participate in cultural, social, learning and economic opportunities in their community;
- strengthen connections for young people with peers, family and community;
- increase young people’s understanding of how to access information and support services they need; and
- improve the recognition, celebration and promotion of young people’s achievements;
- increase collaboration between non-government organisations, local community, business, and government.
YPA Priority Target Group
The YPA Priority Target Group focuses on supporting vulnerable young people who face additional barriers to participation in their community. Specifically YPA targets young people between 12 -25 years of age including:
- culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD);
- with disabilities;
- newly arrived/refugee;
- Indigenous;
- same-sex attracted;
- experiencing socio-economic disadvantage;
- rurally isolated areas; and
- localities with rapid population growth.
Program Activities
Organisations are encouraged to deliver a mix of program activities and support services, including:
- Civic engagement;
- Capacity building;
- Life-skills;
- Social enterprise;
- Information and referral services;
- Mentoring; and
- Mediation.
YPA In-Action Booklet
For further information on the YPA Program, please download the YPA In Action Booklet. The booklet was officially launched by The Minister for Youth Affairs the Honourable James Merlino in Morwell, on the 16 December 2008. The booklet provides interesting information on the YPA Program through case studies from across Victoria.
YPA In-Action Booklet (Part 1) (PDF 1875 kb)
YPA In-Action Booklet (Part 2) (PDF 1897 kb) or (Word 158 kb)
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Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the
department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department for Victorian Communities
(DVC) as changes are being made.