Budget fact sheets 2006 - Expansion of Youth Transition Services
The Government is investing additional funding of $7.5 million over the next four years to further expand Youth Transition Services throughout New Zealand.
The Youth Transition Services network mobilises, coordinates and supports community resources to help at-risk school leavers move more smoothly into further education, training, work or other meaningful activities.
The expansion of the service supports the Government’s shared goal with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs of ensuring that, by 2007, all 15-19 years olds are in work, education, training or other meaningful activities that contribute to their long-term economic independence and wellbeing.
Youth Transition Services provides practical intervention for youth by:
- following up school leavers at risk of making a poor transition
- referring them to appropriate opportunities and services
- expanding opportunities available in a particular locality
- improving strategic planning to meet local needs
- promoting positive attitudes and expectations about participation in education, developmental activities and work.
The funding will be used to both expand existing services and to develop new services in areas of highest need. Services in urban areas will be expanded and new services will be established to meet the needs of rural youth.
