"Future Directions builds on what the State Government has already achieved for and with young people. Based on extensive research and consultation, it is more than words - it's real actions to achieve outcomes that matter to young people."
- Jacinta Allan MP, former Minister for Employment and Youth Affairs
Talking, listening and learning
To create Future Directions, the Victorian Government has talked and listened to young people, and researched the world they live in and the new challenges they face.
Consultation with young people showed the need to consider them as part of their families and communities, and the fact that programs and services must cater for the huge diversity among Victoria's young people.
Top priorities that came out of these discussions were:
- Giving young people activities, the chance to contribute, and ensuring they are heard and valued for their input
- Creating education, training and employment opportunities that meet young people's different needs
- Improving access to safe public transport options right around the State and
- Putting in place programs to help young people safeguard their own health and safety, and support them when things go wrong - with a particular emphasis on mental health
All of this information has been used to develop a fresh approach to policy for young Victorians - not just words, but one which is based on outcomes and real actions (getting things done).
A Vision for Victoria's Young People
The vision is for a Victoria in which all young people have a strong sense of belonging, are motivated to create and share in opportunities, and are valued for their contributions and influence in their communities.
To get there, the Government will take a fresh approach, which involves:
- Inviting and listening to the voices of young people
- Working collaboratively, drawing together young people and the institutions they rely on
- Considering the whole young person in their family and community context
- Taking into account the diversity of young Victorians, and
- Getting support programs in early, because prevention works best
For more information about Future Directions, check out the Future Directions Action Plan Top 10.
You can also download the complete Future Directions report as a PDF document (1.3MB).
