Page 2601 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 5 June 2012
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but when you are going through such reform it is important to make sure that you get these evaluation frameworks and outcomes right. I am quite happy to give you some further advice as that is finalised, Ms Hunter. Make no mistake: I understand your genuine interest in this area and I too am keeping a very watchful eye on how we implement this.
MS LE COUTEUR: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.
MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, how has the closure or reduction of the youth drop-in services impacted on other services, many of which are already stretched to capacity?
MS BURCH: There has been a change in youth drop-in services. There are four hubs within this new model: north, south, east and west, effectively. There are four youth services that operate across those hubs. They have changed the way they do it, but they still run programs that are looking at youth and those with that risk. As I said, some of the services were not utilised. When you have three people coming through, you should look to how you can provide that service more directly or more efficiently.
Certainly there is a strong emphasis on outreach work. That goes out. And open access or drop-in activities in safe places continue. This may include some of the existing youth centres. There is a late night program of recreational activities at locations where young people are likely to congregate and have the capacity to move geographically as the need emerges.
The focus is very much on looking at those areas, those physical areas, where youth tend to congregate and perhaps meet up. Sometimes they need to be supported and guided to other services. But as said, we will keep a watching brief on these reforms. They are significant reforms. I take my hat off to the services that have been part and parcel of this, because this has not been an easy task. This has been a significant shift for them as organisations and I welcome their contribution and their efforts for our community.
MR HARGREAVES: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hargreaves.
MR HARGREAVES: Minister, could you tell us about the consultation process around the changes to the drop-in centres?
MS BURCH: I thank Mr Hargreaves for his interest in the young folk of Canberra. As I said, there has been a change in youth drop-in centres, and indeed to the whole service delivery program under the children, youth and family support program, with a clear emphasis on work towards those at most risk and those that are most vulnerable.
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