Young people experiencing out of home care have multiple and complex needs, and often have poor mental health and social functioning before, during, and after care. Young people leaving care form one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in Australian society and current social policy settings are not addressing their needs sufficiently. Meaningful youth participation catalyses effective change.
This project used participatory action methods to co-design a peer leadership program for young people who have experienced out of home care, and assessed its impact on the wellbeing of the young people. This novel practice-based research project has helped to address entrenched disadvantaged and provide an evidence base to promote change.
This project went on to receive further funding from Australian Rotary Health.
Researchers
Helen Herrman [Centre for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences, UoM]
Helen Cahill [Melbourne Graduate School of Education, UoM]
Kristen Moeller-Saxone [Centre for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences, UoM]
Penny Mitchell [Centre for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences, UoM]
Cathy Humphreys [Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences, UoM]
Sue Cotton [Centre for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences, UoM]
Carol Harvey [Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences, UoM]