Preventing youth disengagement and promoting engagement

Abstract

This discussion paper was commissioned by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) to help clarify the problem of youth disengagement - its nature, magnitude, issues and trends - with a strong focus on including the voices and perceptions of young people. The paper includes a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of individual and social pathways to youth disengagement, and an analysis of ‘what works best’ across five case studies: substance abuse; community violence; school disengagement; civic participation; and youth mental health reform. The paper will inform discussion at a workshop to be held in late 2008.