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Emma MarshallNSW Association for Adolescent Health (NAAH)Youth Homelessness Matters ConferenceOctober 2009
Meeting the health and well being needs of homeless & at-risk
young people:
Effective health service delivery in NSW
NSW Association for Adolescent Health (NAAH)
About NAAH
Peak body for youth health sector in NSW
Committed to promoting and advocating for the health and well being needs of marginalised young people aged 12 to 25 years
Membership organisation
About NAAH
Guiding Principles:
Work on behalf of NSW youth health sector Promote and support youth health services Advocacy Inform and influence policy Resources, training & skill development
Who are marginalised young people in our society?
All young people aged 12 to 25 years who are: Homeless or at risk of homelessness; Socially isolated; Socio-economically disadvantaged; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; Refugees; Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex; Living in regional and rural areas; At risk of, or experiencing mental health issues; At risk of, or experiencing alcohol and other drug problems; Experiencing dual diagnosis; In contact with the criminal justice system; Victims of crime; Living with a history of abuse, neglect and/or trauma; and Experiencing family breakdown.
Youth Health Services in NSW
• Provide free, specialised services for marginalised, homeless and at-risk young people
• Take a social view of health, acknowledging issues such as housing, education, employment, racism and poverty impact health status
• Located in areas of extreme disadvantage
• Implement ‘one stop shop’ model and youth health model: holistic approach and prevention and early intervention strategies
Specialised and targeted health services in NSW for marginalised young people
Youth Health Model
• Holistic approach: acknowledging other issues that impact health (housing, education, employment, racism, poverty)
• Focus on prevention and early intervention
• “Soft” points of contact to engage with hard-to-reach young people
• Multidisciplinary teams
• Cross sector collaboration
• Accessibility
• “One stop shop”
Types of services offered
Focus on prevention and early intervention Free primary health care Legal and accommodation services Food – breakfast programs Drop in Outreach Bathroom, shower and laundry facilities Computer and internet facilities Music and art programs Education and training workshops
Provides referrals and access to legal, housing, education and employment and financial services
The Warehouse Youth Health Service
The Warehouse
High St Youth Health Service
High St Youth Health Service
High St Youth Health Service
Research
Of the group of young people accessing the youth health service:
Disadvantaged background Present with health related problems Experience environmental challenges Personal strengths and capabilities
Results – disadvantaged background
More than 65% of young people limited access to mainstream health services
Cultural background Disability Sexual orientation Education attainment Unemployment Parental employment Accommodation stability
Results – health related problems
Majority of young people had one or more health related problems
Physical/emotional/sexual safety Substance abuse Sexual health practices Illness/disease management Mental health Self management/personal safety Emotional health management
Results – environmental challenges
80% presented with environmental challenges
Economic security Educational involvement Employment stability Accommodation stability Use of primary health care providers Support from adults Peer relationships
Results – personal capabilities and strengths
Services significantly improved participant’s coping skills
Communication skills Empathy Problem solving Optimism Sense of purpose
Summary
15 youth health services in NSW Young people aged 12 to 25 years Holistic approach to health Free primary health care services Drop in services Work in collaboration with housing,
education and legal services
Summary: Best practice youth health service delivery
Promotion of holistic, social view of health Easily accessible (geographically and
structurally) and available at times suitable to young people
Free Culturally appropriate - “youth-friendly” and
respectful in engagement strategies; Youth participation and consultation with
young people
Summary: Best practice youth health service delivery
Respectful of confidentiality and privacy; Cross sector collaboration; Training and professional development
opportunities; Advocacy for marginalised young people;
Contact Details
Emma Marshall
Executive Officer
NSW Association for Adolescent Health
(02) 9351 0956
PO Box M178
Missenden Road NSW 2050
www.naah.org.au