We supported rangatahi to improve their education, employment or training outcomes
The Youth Service providers deliver intensive wraparound support to vulnerable youth to improve their educational and social outcomes. Young people work with community-based providers who guide, support and encourage them to find education, training or work-based learning, and a support network. For those receiving financial assistance, we also give support with budgeting and parenting programmes, so they can gain skills and stability and have an independent and successful future.
The Youth Service is compulsory for all young people aged 16 to 19 who receive either the Youth Payment (YP) or the Young Parent Payment (YPP), and voluntary for young people aged 16 to 19 who are, or are at risk of being, not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET).
As at 30 June 2018:
- 1,607 teen parents aged 16-19 years were receiving Youth Parent Payment
(compared with 1,620 as at 30 June 2017) - 1,327 young people aged 16-17 with no children were receiving Youth Payment
(compared with 1,325 as at 30 June 2017) - 6,332 young people aged 16-17 were enrolled in the Youth NEET Service
(compared with 5,993 as at 30 June 2017).
The Wellington-based Youth NEET Service trial started in July 2017. It is testing whether refocusing the Youth Service on high- or very high-risk young people, and intensifying the Service, will lead to stronger positive effects on outcomes for this group. The trial will run till May 2019.
The feedback from young people suggests the trial is having a positive impact.
