M2000-02 Involvement of Young People in Planning and Delivery of Services

The NSW Government's Youth Policy Focus on Young People supports the development of effective mechanisms to allow young people to participate in government decision making.   As part of the response to the Drug Summit, the Government has supported a recommendation that funding agreements for drug programs and activities make provision for young people to be included in decision making processes. It was also recommended that organisations delivering drug programs demonstrate a capacity to address the needs of children and young people on a local basis.   I would therefore request that all Ministers ensure that agencies within their portfolios review their planning and funding procedures and documentation, before 30th June 2000, so that:

1. all funding agreements and contracts with agencies providing drug related services to young people include a clause requiring, where possible, participation by young people in decision making about the planning and delivery of the service and activities;
2. and organisations are asked to demonstrate a capacity to address the needs of children and young people on a local basis as part of the selection criteria for all grants, subsidies and tenders for projects to provide drug related services to young people.

A example clause which may be used as guidance is:

“The funded agency is required to provide the opportunity for young people to participate in decision making about the planning and delivery of the service (for example: youth members on a board of management, a survey of local young people)”. Where this is not possible, reasons should be given”.

I have asked the Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs to report in September 2000 on the implementation of this commitment.

Bob Carr

Premier