Youth Action released a report with a comprehensive set of practical recommendations to assist young people, particularly those young people in conflict with the law.

Generation Z and Millennials (also known as Generation Y) make up a total of 39% of NSW but are they getting the support they need? Young people involved in the report were clear that they wanted more help, earlier and dedicated spaces after hours 

The key recommendations of the report called on the Government to spend an additional $52 million to expand youth service delivery, investment in setting up 5 new youth hubs and further support to 10 current hubs and establishment of a state-wide working group on young people doing it tough, particularly those made vulnerable by poverty, the out of home care system, conflict with the law and homelessness. 

The report also outlines key recommendations on legal reform, connection to Aboriginal culture in the community, youth services and supports in the community, education, mental health and wellbeing, youth voice and participation and employment and training. 

“A move away from keeping young people in the community with the proper supports will be counterproductive, what we need for young people is more investment and less incarceration,” said CEO of Youth Action, Kate Munro. 

Young people involved in the report talked about the need for more programmes in places that were dedicated to young people. Young people spoke about the importance of centres being opened for extended periods. They stated that the hardest time for young people was after hours when nothing is open as many young people do not have access to a computer or phone to contact helplines. 

With increasing numbers of Aboriginal young people being incarcerated, Youth Action called for Aboriginal-owned and controlled solutions be a matter of first principle in working with Aboriginal young people and any increase in investment must prioritise Aboriginal young people and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations 

The report calls upon the NSW Government to double down on diversion (directing children away from judicial proceedings and towards community solutions), and through the involvement of the young person provide alternatives to custodial sentencing through counselling, probation and community services dedicated to young people. 

“Young people and the youth sector are calling for urgent investment in support for young people doing it tough, particularly safe spaces that are opened after 6.30 pm and individualised support”, said Penny Lamaro, Chairperson of Youth Action.