Children, youth and families

Youth suicide is an escalating issue in NSW that requires timely and effective responses.  We welcome the opportunity to provide input to the inquiry on the prevention of youth suicide in NSW. This submission focuses on the terms of reference in relation to provision of services in local communities and provision of services for vulnerable and at risk groups. 

Mission Australia’s submission to the Independent Review of Youth Detention in Queensland calls for a shift to early intervention and prevention and addressing the underlying causes of offending. It also highlights service models that work to help young people get back on track through education, employment and cultural connection.

Mission Australia's State of the Children 2016 report for the Cairns South and Yarrabah area will help the community identify areas for improvement, the planning of services and advocacy for young people in the region.

Mission Australia welcomes the additional investment in quality Early Childhood Education and Care to support workforce participation, however we are concerned that some vulnerable families and children may be worse off.

We believe that policy development and service delivery should be informed by the voices of the people affected. Accordingly, the findings and recommendations in this submission draw on what we’ve heard from young people themselves, gained though: our annual Youth Survey; and consultations specifically for this submission.