Media release: 13 September 2011

New Youth Development Framework Released

A new youth development framework has been released by the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust to provide a holistic approach to youth development in New Zealand.

The Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa (PYDA) framework explores the connection between the young person and the community, and the approaches that can be used to achieve the development of both.

Supported by first-hand accounts from the Trust’s Youth Advisory Group, and endorsed by leaders in the sector, Wayne Francis Charitable Trust chair Helena Francis says the PYDA promotes a new way of working with young people based on experiential research and evidence.

“The Trust youth advisors are highly experienced youth sector leaders with a wealth of experience in dealing with young people,” says Ms Francis. “Drawing on this experience, they have developed the PYDA as a best practice guide for those working with young people and the organisations that support them.”

The PYDA encourages a shift away from the traditional problem-based approach toward a more holistic, strength-based approach to working with individuals, whanau and communities. A strength-based approach recognises that all people have strengths that foster motivation for growth, and that young people are active participants in the process of development, says Ms Francis. “It is recognised that every young person needs significant people in their lives to form quality relationships with the young person, and support and influence the direction that the young person may take in their life.

“A holistic approach does not compartmentalise the negative traits of the young person, or isolate them from their community environment. Instead, it focuses on the strengths of young people, and the vital role they play in their communities, at the same time developing more connected communities. The holistic approach embraces family and community as well.

“But it’s not just focused on the children categorised as ‘at risk’. All young people throughout New Zealand need to be supported in their development and have potential to be at risk at some time during their transition to adulthood. The way the earthquake has affected some young people in Christchurch is an example of this.”

It is hoped that the framework will go some way to developing a more cohesive, focused approach to youth development in New Zealand. “We need greater recognition that our young people are not only the future of New Zealand, but also have a vital contribution to make to our communities, country and the world they live in,” says Ms Francis.

“We would like to see all those working with young people – from parents and whanau members to aligned professionals in the education, counselling, justice, and social work sectors, as well as policy-makers – work more closely towards positive youth development. We also encourage funding organisations to take a closer look at their investment into youth initiatives, to ensure it will result in the best, cost-effective outcome for young people in the long-term.

“How we value, nurture, support, encourage and invest in them now will determine the health of our nation in the future. We hope this document will promote discussion on this subject, and welcome comments and feedback.”

The Positive Youth Development in Aotearoa document is available to download from www.wfct.org.nz

ENDS

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