Youth Case

YOUTH

Question 1

Youth are people between 15 and 24 years of age, encompassing the years of adolescent growth. Youth and children account for 40% of the world’s population, while those aged from 15 to 24 comprise about 18% of the population. People belong to this group because of their age and because of the associated life events that take place at this time. Part of a person’s youth will be spent at school, while most of it occur when they have reached legal adult status (18 years of age).

Although young people are often perceived as fun, loving and egocentric, with time to spare, they may also be bored, stressed about school and relationships, or confused about their sexuality. The most important need of the youth is to have the opportunity, knowledge and skills to attain independence. Youth is a time when a person examines life choices, considers the future and recognises opportunities.

Question 2

Youth needs resources as they are just entering their adulthood and most likely cannot afford to support themselves. A number of youth lack the support and guidance of family and friends, and some find themselves in situations of disadvantage such as homelessness, poor education or poor health.

Resources within the community are a significant need in the lives of youth, as without the assistance of a variety of services they might find it difficult to achieve wellbeing. Such services include:

-Secondary and/or tertiary education

-Social support networks including family, friends, teachers, doctors and counsellors

-Transport

-Health care

-The Internet

Factors that may make it difficult for young people to access resources include not being aware of what is available, lack of transport options or finance and being inexperienced or unable to make decisions independently. Young people may access Abstudy at age fourteen or Youth allowance from sixteen to twenty four years. A youth can get a learner’s permit at age sixteen but cannot access a provisional license in NSW till 17 years of age. A legal hotline is also provided to support young people under 18 years of age.

Question 3

The needs that are priority to youth are often different from those that are of priority to people at other stages of life. For example, receiving an education might be of a higher priority to members of those groups than having access to employment and other services.

Needs that are priority to most youth include the following:

Security and safety: