Work Skills Training Program in Koondoola & Girrawheen

24/3/97

Family and Children's Services has agreed to fund the Work Skills Training Program for young people in Koondoola and Girrawheen, Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker said today.

Mrs Parker said an agreement had been signed with Koondoola and Girrawheen Youth Inc which guaranteed $97,392 a year until June 30, 1998 to provide a service for young people aged between 13 and 16 years.

"The service assists people who are at risk of crisis due to family conflict, truancy, substance abuse, poor social skills and isolation from their peers and who are at risk of not completing formal education," she said.

"Young people are helped to develop life skills and knowledge which assist them in accessing employment, training, education and recreational activities.

"They are linked to services which support them in resolving their problems or preventing problems from developing."

Mrs Parker said the service also played an important role in helping young people to reduce their involvement with risk taking activities and encouraging them to improve relationships with their families where appropriate.

"Improving their personal development and self esteem will help them manage their lives more effectively," she said. " In turn this will have a positive effect on young people and the wider community."

Mrs Parker said the funding demonstrated Family and Children's Services' commitment to helping young people and their families and to providing resources which strengthened the community.

Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 481 7810