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

Emarshall@naah.org.au

(02) 9351 0956

PO Box M178

Missenden Road NSW 2050

www.naah.org.au