Youth Pathways gives participating young people help that is directed at their specific needs by using a three-phase program of assessment, assistance and ongoing support and guidance.

During the assessment phase, Youth Pathways establishes whether the young person is eligible for the program and consults with them to identify their obstacles, needs and strengths, and then develops an individual transition plan. The plan outlines strategies for overcoming the obstacles.

In the assistance phase, Youth Pathways delivers individualised case management and intensive support. A minimum of six hours of this assistance is delivered face to face.

During the ongoing support and guidance phase, Youth Pathways has regular contact with the participant, to make sure they stay on track and continue to receive the support and guidance they need.

Parents can help

Parents can help by supporting their child’s participation in Youth Pathways. Support may be varied—it could be helpful to show an interest in the transition plan and offer assistance to get some of the things done. On the other hand, it may be best to give your child some space to work through their plan themselves. In any case, it is very beneficial to encourage them to work at the things that need doing, and praise them for those things that are achieved. Of course, parents can only be involved with their child’s permission.

Research indicates that parents are one of the most commonly consulted and influential sources of career information and advice for their children. It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by this responsibility. There are a lot of new and different opportunities open to today’s young people and it can be hard to stay on top of this information. Career Advice Australia can help by connecting you to the right people and the right sources of information.