August 20, 2012
Media Statement
For Immediate Release



Confidence critical for positive change, says specialist youth organisation

A new government funded programme designed for youth on benefits or at risk of going on a benefit will give thousands of young people the confidence to make positive changes in their lives, says a specialist organisation working with youth.

“The youth services programme starts today, and we think it is a progressive initiative that will make a real difference,” says Youth Horizon’s youth services programme manager, Cat Parker.

The Ministry of Social Development recently announced a comprehensive $148 million package for youth on benefits or risk of going on benefits. Youth Services is part of the package aimed at 16 and 17-year-old and 16 to 18-year-old teen parents on a benefit. It goes live today.

Youth Horizons is one of 43 community-based community organisations and one of four in Auckland contracted by the Ministry to provide services under the initiative.

“It’s critical that young people are given hope, encouraged to aspire and to set and achieve goals,” Ms Parker said.

“We are proud to be part of this new service. We know we can make it work for youth, for young parents, and for our communities. We’ve been working in this area for more than six years and we’re very keen to use our community links and networks to drive a programme that will make a real difference.

Youth Horizons has a long history of working with young people at risk and Ms Parker says “We believe the Government’s Youth Services will benefit from our “open doors” approach to services for youth. Our success is based upon our accessibility, approachability and our ability to relate to youth in a way that gains their respect and trust.”

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About Youth Horizons:
1) Youth Horizons A not-for-profit trust instigated by Dame Margaret Bazley and established in 1996
2) More than 15 years of specialising in evidence based services for young people with serious anti-social behaviour and conduct problems predominantly in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato
3) Today Youth Horizons’ work also encompass a suite of therapeutic services all aimed at young people and their families who are in-risk or at-risk of negative social outcomes
4) Services range from clinical in-care intensive treatment, to residential and community-based therapeutic and social interventions
5) Youth Horizons’ key point of difference is in the alignment of cultural, clinical and community best practice where all outcomes are measured
6) More than 180 staff and thirty permanent family homes are involved with up to 2000 young people per year

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