Finding Meaningful Support: Young People's Experiences of “Risky” Environments

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on the qualitative phase of a New Zealand study of young people who had been exposed to “risky” environments from a young age. These young people had experienced traumatic events such as abuse, violence, addictions, mental health issues, and many had been excluded from school. The young people (aged between 13 and 17) were users of multiple services (statutory and nongovernmental services including: child welfare, juvenile justice, remedial education, and mental health services). Qualitative interviews (n = 109) explored young people's experiences in their families, communities, education, and their perspectives on support provided by services and their own support networks. Three thematic clusters emerged as central motifs in young people's experiences and are the focus of this article: navigating “risky” environments; services and support; and, working to find different pathways.

KEYWORDS:

• Young People
• Risk
• Support
• Services
• Qualitative Research

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the young people who participated in the research. We acknowledge the contribution of the Donald Beasley Institute, Kapiti Youth Support (KYS), Youthline, and the other organisations and people who helped with this research.

Additional information

Funding

We thank the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for funding this research.