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"Innovation Youth Centre is a young people’s organisation that works to create the best outcomes for young people community, by using innovation and youth participation, working hand in hand"
"Supporting young people with a crime prevention approach and involved in crime to stay out of crime"
ABOUT
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WHY IYC?
OUR HISTORY
IYC was born from a desire to create meaningful change in the lives of young people. IYC’s journey began in 2016 when Director and Founder Paul Papadatos had the vision to establish a youth space in Melbourne’s Northern suburbs to reach marginalised young people, using the theory of innovation and youth participation working hand in hand. IYC’s team is propelled by a passion to develop innovative programs in our local community that are responsive to the needs of all young people.
In 2022, IYC received a federal grant to implement early intervention crime prevention programs for young people aged 12 to 25. This grant has enabled IYC to bring Paul's vision to reality with the establishment of a youth service in Melbourne’s North.
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WHY IYC?
WHY IYC?
It's an organic service for young people and the community, that creates positive measurable social change. Supporting young people involved in crime to stay out of crime and youth crime prevention.
RATIONALE
Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs are growing rapidly due to the relatively affordable housing in the region. Without the commensurate growth in services, the increasing youth population (12 to 25) experiences a higher-than-average number of issues, manifesting in a rise in youth crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and other antisocial behaviors.
Our conveniently located youth center addresses the service gaps. By fostering youth participation and innovation, our young people a empowered to create their own resources and help their local community. IYC’s zones of operation are interface and rural council areas, It is envisaged that the IYC model will be rolled out to other municipalities.
DESCRIPTION
IYC would act as the project coordinator and lead agency, it is proposed that a collaborative management & staffing structure be developed that includes partner agencies taking responsibility for key service outcomes and management.
These agencies would be on a part-time, sessional or project basis, and would cover issues identified in the research, including health, employment and community education. Research has identified significant support for young people to be involved in running a youth centre by way of a peer reference group and student work placements.
