AYS Youth Pathways

A structured program model supporting young people facing complex life situations, system involvement or disconnection to build capability and move toward sustainable independence.

People connecting through community activities

PROGRAM DESIGN

Proposed 12-Week Program

Weeks 1–2
Identity, goals and accountability
Weeks 3–4
Emotional regulation and decision-making
Weeks 5–6
Life skills and financial capability
Weeks 7–8
Education and employment readiness
Weeks 9–10
Healthy relationships, culture and community
Weeks 11–12
Transition planning and future pathways

Young people playing basketball at a community court with a youth worker

ENGAGEMENT FIRST

Trust is built through shared activity.

Sport, outdoor activity and practical projects give young people a low-pressure way to engage. Mentors use these moments to build the relationship that structured goal work depends on.

Consistent mentor for each young person
Group sessions alongside one-to-one mentoring
Connection to culture, community and positive peers

PILOT STRUCTURE

Proposed cohort model

Pilot cohort: 10 young people
Program duration: 12 weeks
Delivery: Mentoring, group sessions, employment pathways, case coordination and transition planning

ACCOUNTABILITY

Measurable outcomes

Each participant’s progress is recorded against defined indicators and reported to the referring or commissioning partner.

Attendance
Completion
Identification obtained
Education pathway
Employment pathway
Referrals completed
Transition plan
Participant feedback

HOW REFERRALS WORK

Referral pathway

01Referral
02Assessment
03Individual Goals
0412-Week Program
05Transition Plan
06Follow-Up Support

WORKING WITH AYS

Partnership Opportunities

Government-funded pilot

A defined cohort, outcome framework and evaluation for a commissioning body.

Subcontract delivery

Delivery within a lead provider’s contract, governance and reporting.

Funded-provider partnership

Complementing an NGO’s existing casework with mentoring and skills delivery.

Community-based youth intervention

Early, community-based engagement for young people at risk of disconnection.

Transition and mentoring support

Structured mentoring for young people leaving care or moving toward independence.

Discuss a Youth Pathways Partnership

For caseworkers and organisations: please describe the opportunity only. Do not include any young person’s identifying, health or case information.