Training
We believe young people should have a chance to thrive no matter their situation in life.
YSAS Trainings are developed from over 25 years of direct practice supporting young people who use drugs and alcohol and is underpinned by evidence and the voices of young people, their loved ones and community. It is informed by a Resilience-Based Practice Model of care grounded in a developmentally conducive and relationship-based approach. Â
YSAS is well known for providing high quality Youth AOD Training to government agencies, local councils, youth organisations, and schools.
In our training delivery we use the model of ‘Explain, Demonstrate, Practice’. This includes theory or background information, illustrating with case studies or vignettes, then practicing skills to contextualise the information through small group activities, scenarios, discussion and feedback.
Our trainings
Adolescents Who Use Alcohol and Other Drugs
This 1-day training program aims to increase the capacity of workers to effectively support and respond to the needs of young people who are using substances. During this session participants will learn why young people use drugs, how they are using them, and how to reduce harms and engage in constructive conversations around drug use.
Learning outcomes:Â
- Understand intersectionality, adolescent development and perspective of AOD Â
- Understand the function of substance use for young people and its effects Â
- Apply harm reduction strategies with a Resilience Based Framework ApproachÂ
- Engage young people in constructive conversations promoting positive outcomes
- Access the Youth AOD service system for workers, young people, families and communities Â
Brief Interventions
This 1-day session will cover ways that workers can provide effective brief intervention support to young people who are not willing to engage in more traditional, clinical or intensive AOD support. The workshop will also cover other experiential and novel ways to work with young people who might be resistant to traditional approaches.
Learning outcomes:Â
- What are and when can we use AOD Brief Interventions with young peopleÂ
- Experiential and novel approaches to supporting young people experiencing AOD issuesÂ
- Exploring creative and tailored ways to meet the needs of young people experiencing AOD issuesÂ
A framework for including family and community in young people’s care
Working effectively with young people includes engaging with their social and cultural ecosystems in order to build resources that can sustain them into the future. This training outlines a framework for family inclusion where practitioners can better understand their role in relationship to families and communities.
Learning outcomes:Â Â
- Understanding how engaging with families can improve outcomes for young people Â
- Keeping the family in mind when care planning Â
- Strategies for enhancing communication and strengthening relationship bonds