Youth Outreach Program, Chifley College

Funding through the NSW Government's Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Program has enabled the multi-campuses of Chifley College in Sydney's western suburbs to implement three educational initiatives focussing on supporting students (and their families) at risk from a number of factors.

The Chifley College Youth Outreach Program is one of these educational initiatives. The Youth Outreach Program expands the existing services provided through the Chifley Centre to service early school leavers by the employment of two outreach workers. The Chifley Centre programs operate at the Whalan and Bidwill Campuses. The partnership between community service agencies and Chifley College provides service to students at risk of leaving school early, parents and the community. The outreach workers case manage early school leavers and young people ‘at risk’ in the Mount Druitt district. 

This initiative aims to:

• empower young early school leavers (14 – 17 years of age) by increasing their skill and knowledge base and their access to community resources; and,
• assist these students at risk to make informed decisions about their education and employment and inspire them to improve their life opportunities.

Alex's story

Alex* was a 14 year old student from Chifley College Dunheved Campus, referred to the Youth Outreach Program by the school in August 2003. He had a six month history of verbal abuse, assault, threatening behaviour, truancy, harassment and had been given several Non Completion Awards for failing to meet Board of Studies set requirements.

When Alex's* referral came through he had been suspended, with consideration for expulsion from the school, for an incident in class that had resulted in a staff member being injured. 

Sam, the Youth Outreach Worker assigned to this case, liaised with the school and during a home visit discussed with Alex* and his mother his future options. Alex's* mother was very frustrated by her son’s behaviour and scared that he would end up in Juvenile Justice.  Alex* was known to the Police for his involvement in petty crime and more serious offences some of his friends had been charged with. Alex* also had drug and alcohol issues.

Sam put together a case plan which outlined the available options of TAFE, JPET, Obley as well as Drug and Alcohol Counselling.  In consultation with the school at his Suspension Resolution Meeting and with intensive support from the Youth Outreach Worker, Alex* agreed to trial a Work Experience program for a week which JPET had organized as a Landscape Gardener.  As a result of the dedication Alex* showed during this week (starting work at 7am and finishing at 3:30pm) JPET offered him a traineeship in Landscape Gardening which he accepted.  Alex* is still employed with the company and has not been in trouble with the Police since he began working. He has sought assistance for his drug taking behaviour and the relationship with his mother has vastly improved.

Alex* is a fictional name which has been used for the purpose of this case study

For further information

Contact	:	Community Solutions, Communities Division, Department of Community Services
Email	:	communitysolutions@communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au

WWW

:

http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au