1 May 2008

Services for young people strengthened

Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced an expanded investment in services for vulnerable and at risk young people.

“This announcement builds on the recent announcement for an additional $446 million to community and non-Government organisations providing essential services to many communities over the next four years as part of the Pathway to Partnership initiative,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

Nanaia Mahuta says over the coming years, community organisations that provide essential social services will be contracted for the full cost of delivering the agreed volume of services and will receive funding that reflects changing costs and demands. Other services will move from contracts to a grants-based model, meaning a lot less bureaucracy and compliance costs for small providers.

“The Ministry of Youth Development is investing $8.2 million in services for young people in the coming year, through the Services for Young People Fund,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

The Ministry of Youth Development is confirming multi year funding for 59 social service providers running 123 different programmes and services.

“This extra funding will make a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of young people throughout New Zealand, and enable local communities to provide additional support and guidance,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

Nanaia Mahuta says the work that is being done right now, is producing results.

“I regularly meet young people for whom a relationship with a mentor or youth worker, or participation on a structured programme has been a turning point in their lives” says Nanaia Mahuta.

The Ministry of Youth Development funds a range of services throughout New Zealand, including the New Zealand Conservation Corps, Youth Services Corps, the Specialist Youth Services Corp for young offenders. It also provides funding for youth workers and mentoring programmes.

Today’s announcement includes funding for:

- Te Ora Hou Northland for four youth workers
- The Foundation for Youth Development to run Project K throughout New Zealand
- Hamilton Skills Centre, for the development of a new Specialist Youth Services Corp programme for young offenders in Ngaruawahia
- YMCA Masterton for a new Conservation Corps programme in Dannevirke
- 614 Wellington Youth Services operated by the Salvation Army for the expansion of an existing Conservation Corps programme to target vulnerable and at risk young people

- The Malcam Charitable Trust in Dunedin for Conservation Corps and other youth service programmes to target often at-risk young people to improve their confidence, self esteem, health and wellbeing.
- Invercargill schools network to enable school to better address the needs of at risk young people

- The National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa to build the capacity and development of the youth work sector in New Zealand

“We are creating sustainable partnerships between government and community organisations delivering services for young people,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

ENDS

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