Evaluation of a community-driven youth initiative in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

Lee, K. S. Kylie, Conigrave, Katherine M., Clough, Alan R., Wallace, Cate, Silins, Edmund, and Rawles, Jackie (2008) Evaluation of a community-driven youth initiative in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. Drug and Alcohol Review, 27 (1). pp. 75-82.

[img] PDF (Published version)
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09595230701711...
 
26
8


Abstract

We evaluated a community-driven initiative established to prevent substance misuse and increase respect for culture and their elders among young people in a group of remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory (NT), Australia. The Youth Development Unit provided a range of training, recreational and cultural activities within a community development framework to all young people in the community. Design and Methods. Methods of operation, community acceptability, perceived impact and likely ability to meet goals were assessed. Data included community, staff and stakeholder interviews and observation. School attendance, youth apprehension rates and information on levels of substance use were compared 2 years before and after the initiative was implemented. Results. Interviewees reported increased youth training and recreational opportunities, increased communication between local agencies, overall satisfaction with programme delivery and optimism that it could achieve its goals. Suggested improvements included even more training, cultural programmes and other activities and employment of more community-based Indigenous staff. The importance of key staff, involvement of a respected Indigenous staff member and community engagement were noted as probable contributors to its success. Discussion and Conclusions. Indigenous young people in Australia remain one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Community-driven preventive initiatives offer enhanced youth resilience and connectedness in remote Aboriginal communities and alternatives to substance use.

Item ID: 6221
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1465-3362
Keywords: mental health; substance abuse; public health in Indigenous populations; remote indigenous communities; possible prevention or risk reduction
Related URLs:
Date Deposited: 19 Mar 2010 23:55
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111714 Mental Health @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920414 Substance Abuse @ 40%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 30%
92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920399 Indigenous Health not elsewhere classified @ 30%
Downloads: Total: 8
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page