Young people from refugee backgrounds can be simultaneously coping with a family struggling to resettle, and having to fulfil adult roles within their families. They may be dealing with racism in their social worlds, and their fluctuating emotional and psychological reactions to trauma and uprooting. Responding to the needs of young survivors of torture and trauma is a priority for QPASTT.
Responses include addressing immediate needs as well as developing programs which enhance connectedness to peers and social groups. Another major focus has been on supporting professionals such as teachers and welfare workers to develop professional skills and confidence in promoting safety and recovery.
The underlying principles of this framework are holism and inclusion (individual, family, community and society). For us, counselling and community development are inseparable. Our youth workers therefore are involved in information giving, counselling, positive and participatory youth programs and conflict reduction.
Each framework highlights different elements of the work:
Recovery is about:
- accessing counselling and other forms of healing,
- strengthening resilience and tackling personal problems.
Developmental youth work is about:
- participation, building connection, competence, character and confidence, and
- working with the circles of support and systems within which young people are located on a daily basis
Peace/community work is about:
- inclusion,
- pro-actively/reactively working with conflict
For any more information regarding Community Connections or the Youth Program contact: Abdi, Julie or Marcela on 3391 6677 or email: abdiyusuf@qpastt.org.au or juliehuysman@qpastt.org.au or marcelaramirez@qpastt.org.au
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