The main aims of the study were to investigate the attitudes of at risk young people to education and employment; the reasons for disaffection and disengagement with school; their relationships with family and community; their interests and perceived futures; and the degree to which young people at risk were constructing their futures.
There were marked differences in the views of young people who were successfully negotiating education and employment, and those who were more at risk or disengaged. Most young people who were in school lived at home and felt they were doing reasonably well at school; got on well with their parents, and perceived their parents of being supportive of them getting an education. Young people out of home said they had not been successful at school, saw their parents as having less influence on their education, and did not get along well with their parents, citing issues including family breakdown, physical, sexual and mental abuse, drug use and behaviour problems.
The most important factors connecting young people to school were linked to relationships – friendships with other students and relationships with teachers that involved mutual respect and responsibility. The major concerns cited by young people who were disaffected by school were their relationships with teachers; the way teachers treated them; teaching methods used which they felt were barriers to engagement and continuation; and a lack of what they considered appropriate subject choices for their career goals.
Most of the young people had career or employment goals. Decisions about employment were based primarily on a wish to enjoy the job and the desire for the security they believed a regular income would bring. In stressing the value of liking one’s workmates, relationships were again important.
Young people in school were very concerned about passing their course, but also expressed strong concerns about their future. Young people out of school had fears or concerns about accommodation, finances, drug problems or police charges. Overwhelmed by these concerns for the present, many reported that they had no time to focus on the future.
This research was supported by funding under the Full Service Schools Program.