Department for Communities - Youth develops programs and policies that meet the needs of young people aged 12 to 25 in Western Australia.
Young Western Australians are diverse and have a lot to contribute. They are keen to be part of decision making on local, national and global issues, and are very articulate when expressing their opinions. The state government works with young people to foster the next generation of decision makers and future leaders.
Our Vision
Strong, vibrant communities where all young people belong, matter and contribute.
Our Mission
Communities - Youth connects young Western Australians with government and community services and uses their insights and experiences to shape government policy and programs.
Youth - Key Priority Areas
Communities - Youth encourages and supports young people to engage in community life. In partnership with community service organisations, Communities - Youth will promote wellbeing and positive images of young people, support opportunities for young people to reach their full potential as respected and contributing members of the community, and work with young people, community groups and government agencies to support young people’s participation in decision making, planning and services to meet their diverse needs.
Communities - Youth influences policy and programs in a variety of ways, including:
- consulting with young people and other youth stakeholders to determine emerging issues and trends, and collaborate on how to address them
- providing program funding to youth development organisations, youth services and Cadets WA
- funding youth activities and strategic projects in the youth sector
- leading policy reform in key areas of youth affairs such as youth mentoring
- running projects and programs that promote the positive contribution made by young people, such as the WA Youth Awards, the Positive Image Awards, the Refugee Youth Art Exhibition and National Youth Week
- collaborating with and funding other agencies to produce resources and publications on key youth issues
- working in partnership with other agencies to establish youth-focused projects, such as culturally and linguistically diverse youth sport projects and the Indigenous Youth leadership program, One Sky Many Paths
- working with Commonwealth and state government agencies to inform and influence decisions and services designed to support young people in WA.