Local youth focus of new program

The Communities that Care program was officially launched in Baw Baw Shire last week.

CTC is a community change process that gathers local information on what is causing harm to local young people, and then uses the information to set priorities. It implements scientifically tested strategies to address the needs of local youths.

The program aims to reduce risks and improve healthy behaviours in children and adolescents in the long term. CTC also tries to prevent multiple problem behaviours in young people, such as alcohol and drug abuse, antisocial behaviour, violence and school failure.

Baw Baw Shire was randomly selected as one of the 18 communities to participate in the program in Australia. Berry Street Gippsland is leading the partnership between CTC and other local agencies to deliver the project.

CTC community relations officer Amber Osborn said that she felt very lucky to have the opportunity to work in Baw Baw Shire. She explained that the program was community owned and operated and encouraged members of the Baw Baw Shire community to get involved.

“The CTC framework is evidence based,’ Amber explained, which means that it will be the best use of the resources available.

“It will use many different factors to evaluate the needs of individuals.

“The more risk factors present, the greater risk there is of health and social problems,” Amber said.

Berry Street Gippsland deputy director Jane Barr spoke at the launch. She said that the program would ask the question, “What are the resources in Baw Baw Shire that can be better connected to young people so that they can thrive?”

A total of 1023 local school students have recently completed a survey about what they felt was most important, to help CTC answer this question accurately.

‘You can’t think about a young person without thinking of their family, school and aspirations,’ Jane said. Which is why CTC implements programs based in schools, families and the community as a whole.

Baw Baw Shire Council, along with many other local organisations, has committed to support the program.

Cr Mikaela Power said, “How fantastic to see all these organisations working in one direction for young people. Together, we can improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Baw Baw.”