Footprints to the future: report from the Prime Minister's Youth Pathways Action Plan Taskforce

The Youth Pathways Action Plan Taskforce was set up by the former Prime Minister, John Howard in September 1999.  It was asked to suggest better ways of supporting young people and their families in the changeover from being students at school to having an independent adult life.  The Taskforce included people from non-government organisations that work with young people, employers, researchers and representatives from Commonwealth and State Government departments.  They organised public consultations around Australia, conducted surveys of young people and their parents, received written submissions, organised case studies, and commissioned special research.

The report is committed to improving assistance for young people and their families as they negotiate transitions from school to an independent livelihood. It addresses ways to: strengthen pathways for young people from school to work, further education and active citizenship; provide the earliest possible assistance for those young people at risk; strengthen and support the capacity of families and the community to help young people; and expand opportunities for young people to participate fully in the social and economic life of their communities.  The report addresses transition issues common to all young people.  It looks at additional support and strategies for those young people who may experience some difficulties in their transitions.

The findings and recommendations of the Taskforce reflect six over-arching and interconnected principles: a national commitment to all young people; education and training as the foundation for effective transitions; career and transition support; focused local partnerships; changing the ways we support young people; and responding to diversity.  The Taskforce have suggested a way forward in implementing the recommendations set out in the report.  In particular, they propose an integrated and cohesive approach to supporting young people in their transitions.

Introduction: view HTML  

Summary report: download PDF    (171.4 KB, 22 pages)

Full report: download PDF    (1.2 MB, 220 pages)

Appendix: download PDF    (1.3 MB, 221 pages)