Youth Pathways is giving Greg another chance

When Greg joined the Youth Pathways program in Broken Hill, he had extreme behavioural issues. His literacy and numeracy levels were poor, as was his school performance generally. He was almost continually being suspended.

The school had tried him on many programs. In year 8, he attended an adolescent behavioural program with the Department of Education. Poor behaviour meant he was moved from there to an alternative learning program, which he refused to attend. He was removed from this program, too, so his school arranged for him to receive distance education. Greg did not complete one page of a single distance education assignment.

In 2005, Greg was enrolled in the Jobs Pathway Program with the Broken Hill Skills Centre. After a lot of hard work by program staff, Greg agreed to attend anger management classes. He went once. His ongoing behavioural issues meant Greg was given ‘time off’ from various activities.

Then in 2006, Distance Education asked the Broken Hill Skills Centre if Youth Pathways might be able to help Greg. After a lot of thought and discussion, the centre decided to give Greg a second chance. They contacted him, and he accepted the opportunity to be part of Youth Pathways, entering into an agreement to fully participate in the program.

Distance Education is giving him a term’s trial. The centre organises his lessons and arranges to have his assignments sent to Distance Education.

Greg studies at the centre and uses its facilities, including computers, television, and video and audio equipment. The Youth Pathways worker is on hand to help him. For example, Greg refused to do the English audio sessions, so the Youth Pathways worker organised with Distance Education to have Greg do these with her. Greg trusts and knows that she won’t tolerate any poor behaviour.

Recently, Greg completed his first assignment in maths—this was the first assignment he had ever completed. He received an A.

Greg has a long way to go and it won’t be easy. He is still being encouraged to go to anger management classes, and to participate in activities that will improve his self esteem and goal-setting abilities and motivate him to reach further goals. Youth Pathways staff will continue to provide him with support and encouragement.