Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program Evaluation

Panyappi Indigenous Youth Mentoring Program Evaluation
As is obvious from Figure 8 there were many reasons for referral, with between one and
ten reasons listed for any single young person and an average number of six reasons per
young person. Most young people were either disengaged or becoming disengaged from
education and involved in offending behaviours. Seventy per cent showed emotional and
behavioural problems, and/or substance misuse issues were very common. Half of all
referrals were regularly frequenting the inner city, which was one of the key initial
criteria for referral that was then broadened out to young people with similar problems
who did not always frequent the inner city. Many were experiencing physical, sexual
and/or emotional abuse, and family breakdown. Over a third were showing violent
behaviour, this was slightly more common among males than females, and a similar
number were running away from their home or placement, with most also frequenting the
inner city and the others at risk of doing so. Placement breakdowns and self-damaging
and/or suicidal behaviour were also apparent.
Thirteen young people (40%) were involved with FAYS:
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Seven were under supervision for court orders
Seven had an allocated social worker, with two of these also having a youth worker,
while another three just had a youth worker
Two were under the Guardianship of the Minister
Nineteen young people (58%) were or agreed to became involved with other agencies:
Twelve were involved with the courts
Three were involved with a family worker, four with a counselling service (not
CAMHS) and four with the police
Four were involved with the DECS Attendance Officer
One was involved with CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services)
Reasons for leaving Panyappi were known for eleven young people (33%). They included
non-engagement with mentors after a minimum of at least 4 months of effort (7), being
18 or over (2), being referred elsewhere after six months with Panyappi (1) and being
ready to leave after seven months with Panyappi (1).
By early May 2004 the current caseload was 14 young people. They were involved in one
or more additional programs offered by Panyappi or in collaboration with MAYT. For
example, all are involved in individual genealogy programs, five attend the Art Program,
two go to the Tutorial Centre based at MAYT, while one does a Classic Holden program
as an educational option. Several have been involved in a program with Taoundi College
focused on cultural awareness and identity, however, this will now be offered by MAYT.
More programs have been individually rather than group based, as the young people do
not always cope well with group programs. However, since April 2003 there have been a
number of group excursions (e.g. going bowling) and a group camp (e.g. on the One and All
tall ship).
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