About YETI

The History | Principles and Values | Philosophy of Empowerment | Aims and Objectives

Cairns Youth Empowered Towards Independence (YETI) was established in 1994, in response to the Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs release of funds in May 1993. A report on Opportunistic Prostitution and Young People funded via Youth and Community Combined Action (YACCA) special grants project identified a need in Cairns. The intent was to develop appropriate, intensive support services for young people involved in or at risk of being involved in opportunistic prostitution, or at risk of entering the commercial sex industry.

YETI opened its doors in 1994 with the 'Youth at Risk Outreach Program' (YAROS), funded through the Department of Families to target street kids at risk of opportunistic prostitution. Initially, the YETI program operated with 2.5 staff. Over six years the service experienced a dramatic increase in client contact (in 1994 - 63 contacts were made with young people and in 2000 - 7347 contacts were made). It was thus identified that the initial level of funding was unrealistic to maintain a quality system of care that responded proactively to young people's needs.

In November 1998, YETI was successful in securing funding to operate an Adolescent Drug Treatment Program. This program is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging under the National Illicit Drugs Strategy (NIDS) and involves working with young people at risk of, or involved in, illicit drug use. In addition YETI ran a needle exchange program which ceased operations in 2002. YETI changed premises from the inner city to the outskirts of the city centre in December 2002 and relocated across the road from a private school. School personage expressed discontent at having the needle exchange program on their doorstep, and the program was subsequently discontinued.

In March 2001, the Department of Families responded to the increase in young people accessing YETI and made a commitment to enhance the program. An increase in funds addressed inadequate staffing levels, and provided funding for outreach services to meet the needs of young people in the Cairns region.

Currently, YETI runs the above two programs - YAROS and NIDS with the staffing structure including one full-time Co-ordinator, one full-time and two part time (2 F/T equivalent) Adolescent Drug Treatment Workers, one full-time Group Worker and two part-time Peer Support Workers. In the past YETI has conducted four Peer Support Programs, which ran for approximately 12 weeks via funding received through the Community Jobs Plan. YETI is also actively involved in providing a volunteer program and also encourages work experience placements for schools and TAFE.

YETI Today

Any young person between 12-25 years old is able to access YETI services. This includes young people still at school, homeless youth, those working and the unemployed.

Working from a harm-minimisation and empowerment philosophy with an integrated approach, YETI responds to the needs of young people aged 12 to 25 years living in and around Cairns who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in opportunistic prostitution and / or illicit drug use.

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POLICY STATEMENT

Cairns Youth Empowered Towards Independence is to ensure that the Drop-In area is well-maintained, supervised and all procedures followed.

PROCEDURE

• Peer Support Workers are responsible in ensuring that all clients accessing the Drop-In area have been accounted for in the daily statistics.
• A staff member must be present at all times in the Drop-In area.
• Peer Support Workers are responsible in ensuring that music/noise levels are kept at a responsible level.
• Disruptive/Unruly/Offensive behaviour will not be tolerated in this area.
• No young person who is using and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit substances is permitted in the Drop-In area.
• Peer Support Workers are responsible for the appropriate referral of young people to the ADTP. That is, calling to alert the ADTW that a young person is coming up to see them.
• All new clients to the YETI service will be given an orientation of the premises and a client induction booklet, as well as being made aware of the YETI rules. This is to be performed by the Peer Support Worker.
• Peer Support Workers are responsible for the close up of the Drop-In area. All appliances must be turned off, windows closed and doors locked.
• It is the responsibility of the Peer Support Worker to ensure that the Drop-In area is kept in an acceptable and tidy state at all times.

PURPOSE OF POLICY

Young people that access the agency do not always have a safe space that they can actually call their own, so drop-in can be a good space to chill out.

The drop-in space also provides a good opportunity for young people to get to know the service and workers. Likewise it can provide an opportunity for staff to establish rapport with young people in an informal setting without it being too confronting for the young person.

YETI's code of conduct and protocols for workers helps to establish boundaries for workers and young people accessing the agency. These are designed to protect the rights of young people and workers and should be closely adhered to. Should you need further clarification with regard to this please speak with me.

On each week morning 10am to 1pm, the agency is available for young people to access the agency for a peer worker to ra, ra with (have a chat), counselling, education, information, referral and advocacy, condoms and lubrication.

At YETI we encourage all young people to make decisions for themselves and also to become involved in any project that has the possibility of increasing a young person's self-esteem and a young person's sense of control over their own lives.

Our job is not to do for young people what they can do for themselves.

Many of the young people that access the agency will display challenging behaviour which at times may appear to workers as apathy or lack of motivation. It is very important for us not to judge young people from our own value base and circumstances. We can only hope to understand what is happening for a young person by talking with a young person and by really listening to what they are saying and validating their experience. Not what we think they are saying, but what is meaningful for them at this present time and situation. This may mean that we need to put ourselves in their shoes. To walk along side a young person, working collaboratively and never setting ourselves up as the expert.

The young person is the expert of their own situation and staffs need to suitably respect that. Staff also need to respect that young people will be making the best decision they can at the time; with what information they have available. Staff can assist a young person in decision making with information, education, counseling and a sense of safety and trust.Often a young person can be operating under fairly traumatic circumstances. Especially if they have a history of abuse, are presently being abused or they are homeless or, all of the above.

Please take into account when working with a young person that what may present to us apathy, belligerence, aggression or lack of motivation may be a young person operating from distinct pain. These defence mechanisms of a young person are in operation to prevent the young person from further harm, psychological distancing/emotional numbing. Depression mild or severe can also play a part in a young person's presenting attitude be it a part of past history, present circumstances (situational depression), coming off a particular drug, a genetic predisposition or any other imposing factor.

Staffs need to be respectful of the decision making process of a young person and what may be unmotivated or belligerent to one, is just kick-back and taking it easy to another.Staff must always give the young person the benefit of the doubt, unless of course it is abundantly clear that our support is only supporting the young person to stay with negative behaviours.

It is really important to welcome young people to the service of Y.E.T.I. and provide a safe and welcoming environment, one in which young people can begin to feel that it is possible to trust people.

During drop in, it is important that the YETI environment reflects safety and harmony. In speaking with any young person that accesses the agency even outside of drop-in, staff needs to welcome the young person, introduce yourself if we do not know the young person. It is very important for all workers to know all young people present in the agency and the purpose for which they are accessing the agency.

Staff should then proceed to enquire of the young person what it is YETI can help them with. Feel your way with this, if the young person seems emotionally upset, then please attend to this. If a young person is after a particular service, e.g. accommodation we then provide the relevant service for that young person, to the best of our ability.

Should a young person require counselling, check with the counsellor's on duty how they are situated - if they cannot take on an appointment, make an appointment for another time. If the situation is a crisis, deal with it immediately. (Refer to crisis intervention handout)

If a young person is accessing drop-in for a coffee and a coffee only (out of drop-in hours), inform the young person that it is not drop-in time but they are more than welcome between 10am - 1pm. Find out if they need help with any other issue. If you suspect that the person requires a coffee as a lead into other things, (rapport etc.) then take this opportunity to build rapport. If you are busy with someone else, you could say something like look I'm actually working with Deirdre at the moment, but if you want to have a coffee, I will be with you as soon as possible.

Basically, maintenance of the hours outside of drop-in will call upon all your skills as a youth worker. There are no hard and fast rules, apart from the responsibility of the worker to maintain a safe and harmonious environment for everyone. And of course, if the young person is 'just' after a coffee then the drop-in hours are 10am - 1pm, Monday to Friday.

Remember that some young people will want a coffee, just for the coffee's sake. However, another young person will want a coffee as a way of perhaps sussing you out as a worker, or the agency, or as a means of establishing rapport etc.

The responsibility of making the decisions for maintaining a safe and harmonious environment will rest upon all staff. As part of a team approach all staff needs to be aware of what is happening at YETI and support other staff when necessary.

The skills required are friendliness, humour, warmth, enthusiasm, tactfulness, flexibility, openness, genuineness, initiative, assertiveness, sound judgment, responsibility, an ability to read a situation well and to pre-empt or diffuse any conflict, and an understanding of group dynamics.

At all times the four (4) rules must stand:

1. Respect for all at the agency.
2. No violence - not on!
3. No drugs or drug deals on the premises.
4. No alcohol on the premises.

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Empowerment aims to increase the power of the disadvantaged. It means providing people with the resources, opportunities, knowledge and skills to increase their capacity to determine their own future, and to participate in and affect the life of the community. Empowerment is a collaborative process, with the client and worker working together as partners. It is essential for people to participate in their own empowerment - goals, means and outcomes need to be defined by the client.

An empowerment model is also interested in encouraging people who are affected by the same social limitation, to act as a group, to improve their situation. From this philosophy, strategies seek to give initially less powerful people the capacity to act independently.

In relation to youth work, when working from an empowerment model, workers need to be consistently 'on their guard' against taking power away from young people, as individuals and a collective group, in order for young people to have maximum power. Within this model, youth workers are seen to be a tool by which young people can challenge the status quo, and achieve long term goals. Empowerment prioritises proactive and preventative work, over reactive, repetitive and band-aid work.

Looking at the big picture, empowerment is a form of radical change, which attempts to over turn existing structures of domination. An empowerment strategy requires that structures of oppression, i.e.: class, gender, race etc, that stop people from exercising power, be understood, addresses and overcome. Working genuinely from the empowerment model takes a lot of time, energy and commitment, and requires structural change.

The Vision:

Empowerment Care Model

Mission Statement:

To foster young people's strength in mind, body and spirit through the support of experiences we provide as they are empowered towards independence and a state of well-being.

Main Aim:

Create a safe, respectful and calm environment for both clients and workers alike.

Empowerment is:

Power 'with' rather than power 'over' people 'Clients as their own agent of change, YETI is a steward assisting in this process"

YETI does this by:

• Empowerment of staff through YETI structures by trust in self and YETI processes.
• Transparent processes.
• Accountability and Respect- clear enforceable boundaries, ways of being at YETI, creating welcoming safe space for potential clients.
• A consolidated, consistent approach to clients in terms of rights and responsibilities.
• Inclusively.
• Regular debriefing of staff.
• Networking.
• Contracts - with clear rights and responsibilities.

Staff do this by:

Proactive Tools

• Power with - Information is power.
• Client as the expert of their own story - drawing out the strengths and offering options.
• Awareness of power imbalances.
• Inclusive decision making \ ownership to promote feelings that clients are driving the process of change.
• Focus on what you've got rather than what you haven't.
• Intervention focusing on latent strengths and solutions to situations.
• Sharing what each contributes to the team that is unique to them (diversity is strength).
• Transparent information sharing.
• Use visioning as a tool.
• Lead by example.

This is actioned by: Developing awareness, trust and options for clients.

• Emphasis on positive aspects of clients (no negativity, challenging comments or derogatory remarks).
• Give support, do not CARRY!
• Clearly defined visual and auditory space at YETI (ie) clean, tidy and appropriate signage, music content and volume carefully regulated.
• YETI promoted as a service for people in NEED (made evident by the list of services and programs)
• Client feels safe EVERYTIME they choose to visit YETI - This is achieved by constant monitoring assessment and feedback by staff as to appropriate conduct of clients and staff alike (Basic record of behaviour on daily basis- especially "drop in").
• Rules and regulations need to be observed / enforced when necessary.

PRIORITY

Promote calmness, respect and safety. "If any of these factors are compromised, then perhaps all else is in vain".

EMPOWERMENT CARE MODEL in EACH PROGRAM AIMS & OBJECTIVES

Outreach - Peer Support

• Create Calmness, Respect, and Consideration by ACTIVE ROLE MODELLING.
• Awareness.
• Peer Support.
• Develop Trust.
• Consider options/alternatives/immediate needs.
• Listen and reflect issues.
• Maintain SAFE/CALM environment - (Drop In).
• Refer to other staff as necessary - sport recreation- Youth worker.
• Discuss options.
• Stimulate ideas/possibilities for clients and staff.
• Organise relevant and appropriate activities/events/ ie videos, arts/crafts.
• Invite clients to talk about their skills and abilities.
• Focus on positive aspects of person.
• Promote Calmness, Respect and Consideration by Active Role Modeling.

Adolescent Drug Treatment Worker:

• Legal/Probation Parole/Courts etc.
• Health/General/Sex/etc.
• A+OD/1:1/Group.
• Centrelink.
• Focus on positive aspects of person.
• Promote Calmness, Respect and Consideration by ACTIVE ROLE MODELLING.

Reference: Family Preservation A Brief Therapy Workbook by Insoo Kim Berg (1991)

The practice of empowerment has the following.

1. The basic belief about the client-worker relationship is that it is a collaborative joint venture between the client and the worker.
2. It is assumed that the client is competent to know what is good for her and her family.
3. It is further assumed that the client has the ability to solve problems and has solved problemsin the past.
4. The client determines and negotiates the goals for the contract.
5. The client participates in the treatment procedures and selection of options that are suitable what is good for her, since she is assumed to be an expert on what is good for her, her life, her body, and her family.
6. The technique of complimenting the client is an expression of theses assumptions about the client
7. The emphasis on exception to the problem assumes that the client does solve the problem on her own.Interviews are designed to uncover such solutions and successes.
8. The client is in charge of the termination of contracts.
9. It is an approach that respects the client autonomy and personal, familial and cultural boundaries,and is thus less intrusive.
the most important thing to keep in mind is the concept that clients,need to feel in control of their lives as much as possible. Client participation in goal settingand solution-finding allows them to voice in determining the course of their lives. This is a very respectfulway to work with clients, rather than for them. The more success they have, the better they will feel about themselves.

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YETI aims to assist young people by providing the following:

• Drop-in space with access to Peer Support Workers for support and living skills.
• Information and referral about a broad range of youth issues including physical, social and emotional health.
• Counseling and support with substance abuse/misuse, treatment interventions, self-esteem and relationship.
• Group work programs (i.e., anger management; young women's group)
• Outward bound program
• A court program to assist with legal issues.
• Outreach services.
• Access to safe and youth-culturally appropriate environment.
• Access to workers of a high standard who work from an empowerment philosophy.

YETI is a community based non-profit organisation and all funds are expended in accordance with the objectives of the organisation.

YETI's Mission Statement

"To foster young people's strength in mind, body and spirit through the support of experiences we provide as they are empowered towards independence and a state of well being".

YETI's Goal

To work collaboratively with 'at risk' young people 12-25yrs and their families (where appropriate).

Expected Outcomes

• Young people will learn socially and emotionally appropriate behaviours
• Young people will develop social and personal skills for independent and successful community living.
• Recidivism with the court/legal systems will be reduced or eliminated,
• Young people will reduce the harm associated with their alcohol and illicit drug use or cease use altogether,
• Barriers or the impact of barriers, to young people's safety, well being and engagement in family and community living arrangements will be addressed and hopefully reduced.

The YETI Program works using a bio psychosocial framework. It collaborates between programs within YETI (Counselors from our Mational Illicit Drug Strategy and Youth and PeerSupport Workers from our 'Youth at risk Outreach Program') to provide a best practice model for young people 'at risk' of or involved in illicit drug and alcohol use and abuse.

Objectives

• Develop links and network with relevant agencies to provide appropriate services.
• Support the professional development of staff.
• Offer services that target young people of the agency
• To conduct a program that is flexible, youth friendly and that individually addresses the circumstances of each young person.
• Provide information and education to encourage young people to cease or reduce using illicit drugs, or reduce the harm associated with drug use.
• Help young people develop relationships free of exploitation.

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