smc-5512-40-NGOs

HMS, HIC 2017 HSC 27b

To what extent have government and non-government strategies targeting young people been effective in addressing major health issues? (12 marks)

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Judgment Statement

Government and non-government strategies have achieved moderate effectiveness in addressing major youth health issues. Success varies significantly across different health areas, with stronger outcomes in road safety than mental health and substance abuse.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

Government Headspace centres demonstrate substantial success in providing accessible mental health services for young Australians aged 12-25. These federally-funded centres offer free counselling and psychiatric services with over 150 centres nationwide. However, limitations include long waiting lists and inadequate rural coverage creating geographical inequities.
Non-government R U OK? Day campaigns effectively raise awareness about mental health conversations and suicide prevention. This initiative successfully normalises mental health discussions across schools and communities. Yet sustainability challenges arise from volunteer dependency and inconsistent funding streams.

Road Safety Strategy Effectiveness

Government P-plate restrictions prove highly effective in reducing youth road fatalities through passenger limits, speed restrictions and zero BAC requirements. These legislative measures have significantly decreased young driver death rates since implementation. Additional government initiatives like Plan B campaigns provide clear messaging about drink-driving consequences.
Non-government programs like RYDA demonstrate strong effectiveness in rural areas where road fatalities are highest. These Rotary-funded programs increase education about issues including fatigue and risk-taking behaviours. Community-based approaches also successfully target local issues with culturally relevant messaging.

Substance Abuse Strategy Effectiveness

Government school-based drug education shows mixed results due to inconsistent implementation across different educational settings. On the other hand, non-government community-based education programs often achieve better youth engagement through peer-to-peer approaches and locally relevant messaging.

Reaffirmation

Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with government strategies stronger in legislative areas like road safety, while non-government initiatives excel in community engagement and awareness-raising across multiple health issues.

Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

Government and non-government strategies have achieved moderate effectiveness in addressing major youth health issues. Success varies significantly across different health areas, with stronger outcomes in road safety than mental health and substance abuse.

Mental Health Strategy Effectiveness

Government Headspace centres demonstrate substantial success in providing accessible mental health services for young Australians aged 12-25. These federally-funded centres offer free counselling and psychiatric services with over 150 centres nationwide. However, limitations include long waiting lists and inadequate rural coverage creating geographical inequities.
Non-government R U OK? Day campaigns effectively raise awareness about mental health conversations and suicide prevention. This initiative successfully normalises mental health discussions across schools and communities. Yet sustainability challenges arise from volunteer dependency and inconsistent funding streams.

Road Safety Strategy Effectiveness

Government P-plate restrictions prove highly effective in reducing youth road fatalities through passenger limits, speed restrictions and zero BAC requirements. These legislative measures have significantly decreased young driver death rates since implementation. Additional government initiatives like Plan B campaigns provide clear messaging about drink-driving consequences.
Non-government programs like RYDA demonstrate strong effectiveness in rural areas where road fatalities are highest. These Rotary-funded programs increase education about issues including fatigue and risk-taking behaviours. Community-based approaches also successfully target local issues with culturally relevant messaging.

Substance Abuse Strategy Effectiveness

Government school-based drug education shows mixed results due to inconsistent implementation across different educational settings. On the other hand, non-government community-based education programs often achieve better youth engagement through peer-to-peer approaches and locally relevant messaging.

Reaffirmation

Overall assessment reveals moderate effectiveness with government strategies stronger in legislative areas like road safety, while non-government initiatives excel in community engagement and awareness-raising across multiple health issues.

♦♦ Mean mark 50%.

Alex is a 17-year-old living in a rural town who has been experiencing depression and anxiety following family breakdown. The nearest mental health professional is 200km away, and Alex's family cannot afford private treatment. The local school has basic counselling services, but Alex feels uncomfortable accessing them due to stigma in the small community.

Discuss the effectiveness of ways in which the government, non-government organisations and the community could advocate for Alex's health needs. (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Effective Government Advocacy:

[P] Government advocacy effectively addresses Alex’s access barriers through systematic solutions.
[E] Legislative power is able to create telehealth funding and mobile mental health services for rural areas.
[Ev] Medicare subsidies for online consultations eliminate 200km travel barriers.
[L] Government creates comprehensive, funded solutions to rural mental health inequities.

Limitations of Government Advocacy:

[P] Government advocacy fails to provide immediate crisis intervention.
[E] Bureaucratic red tape can create lengthy implementation delays.
[Ev] Policy changes requiring approval cannot address Alex’s urgent depression symptoms.
[L] Government solutions lack immediacy needed for mental health crises.

Effective NGO Advocacy:

[P] NGOs provide most effective immediate support for Alex’s circumstances.
[E] Independent operation enables rapid crisis response with youth-focused services.
[Ev] For example, NGO’s such as headspace offer 24/7 support, online counselling, addressing stigma concerns.
[L] In this way, NGOs fill critical gaps through immediate, accessible mental health intervention.

Limitations of NGO Advocacy:

[P] NGO advocacy limited by resource constraints and sustainability issues.
[E] Donation-dependent funding creates uncertainty.
[Ev] Cannot establish permanent rural infrastructure or guarantee ongoing availability.
[L] Resource limitations compromise long-term comprehensive support.

Effective Community Advocacy:

[P] Community advocacy can effectively address local stigma and social support needs.
[E] Local understanding enables culturally appropriate mental health initiatives.
[Ev] Peer support groups can normalise help-seeking behaviour in a rural context and direct Alex to government and NGO health services.
[L] Community can transform local attitudes supporting Alex’s recovery.

Limitations of Community Advocacy:

[P] Community advocacy cannot replace professional clinical intervention.
[E] Community members lack specialised mental health training and expertise.
[Ev] They also cannot assess Alex or prescribe drugs or treatment for his depression.
[L] Community support is valuable but insufficient, by itself, for Alex’s clinical needs. When it complements other governmental and NGO health services, the best outcomes are achievable.

Show Worked Solution

Effective Government Advocacy

[P] Government advocacy effectively addresses Alex’s access barriers through systematic solutions.
[E] Legislative power is able to create telehealth funding and mobile mental health services for rural areas.
[Ev] Medicare subsidies for online consultations eliminate 200km travel barriers.
[L] Government creates comprehensive, funded solutions to rural mental health inequities.

Limitations of Government Advocacy

[P] Government advocacy fails to provide immediate crisis intervention.
[E] Bureaucratic red tape can create lengthy implementation delays.
[Ev] Policy changes requiring approval cannot address Alex’s urgent depression symptoms.
[L] Government solutions lack immediacy needed for mental health crises.

Effective NGO Advocacy

[P] NGOs provide most effective immediate support for Alex’s circumstances.
[E] Independent operation enables rapid crisis response with youth-focused services.
[Ev] For example, NGO’s such as headspace offer 24/7 support, online counselling, addressing stigma concerns.
[L] In this way, NGOs fill critical gaps through immediate, accessible mental health intervention.

Limitations of NGO Advocacy

[P] NGO advocacy limited by resource constraints and sustainability issues.
[E] Donation-dependent funding creates uncertainty.
[Ev] Cannot establish permanent rural infrastructure or guarantee ongoing availability.
[L] Resource limitations compromise long-term comprehensive support.

Effective Community Advocacy

[P] Community advocacy can effectively address local stigma and social support needs.
[E] Local understanding enables culturally appropriate mental health initiatives.
[Ev] Peer support groups can normalise help-seeking behaviour in a rural context and direct Alex to government and NGO health services.
[L] Community can transform local attitudes supporting Alex’s recovery.

Limitations of Community Advocacy

[P] Community advocacy cannot replace professional clinical intervention.
[E] Community members lack specialised mental health training and expertise.
[Ev] They also cannot assess Alex or prescribe drugs or treatment for his depression.
[L] Community support is valuable but insufficient, by itself, for Alex’s clinical needs. When it complements other governmental and NGO health services, the best outcomes are achievable.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 127

A 16-year-old student, Maya, is struggling with anxiety but cannot access affordable mental health services through the public system due to long waiting lists. Meanwhile, her school has recently implemented a new wellbeing curriculum mandated by the state government.

Describe the differences between how government and non-government organisations would advocate for Maya's health needs in this situation. (5 marks)

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Government advocacy:

Government advocacy for Maya would involve systematic, policy-level responses.
The government could addresses Maya’s needs through mandatory school wellbeing programs, funding public mental health services, and setting Medicare rebate structures.
However, government responses are often slow due to bureaucratic red tape and focus on population-wide solutions rather than immediate individual needs.
The government’s role is creating frameworks and policies that should prevent situations like Maya’s.

NGO advocacy:

NGO advocacy provides immediate, targeted support that government cannot deliver.
Organisations like headspace would offer Maya direct counselling services without waiting lists, filling gaps in the system.
NGOs advocate by providing evidence of unmet needs to government, offering specialised youth-focused services, and adapting quickly to emerging mental health trends.
They can provide culturally appropriate support and innovative service delivery models that complement government frameworks.
Both approaches are necessary – the government provides the funding and creates the framework while NGOs provide responsive, specialised advocacy and services.

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Government advocacy:

Government advocacy for Maya would involve systematic, policy-level responses.
The government could addresses Maya’s needs through mandatory school wellbeing programs, funding public mental health services, and setting Medicare rebate structures.
However, government responses are often slow due to bureaucratic red tape and focus on population-wide solutions rather than immediate individual needs.
The government’s role is creating frameworks and policies that should prevent situations like Maya’s.

NGO advocacy:

NGO advocacy provides immediate, targeted support that government cannot deliver.
Organisations like headspace would offer Maya direct counselling services without waiting lists, filling gaps in the system.
NGOs advocate by providing evidence of unmet needs to government, offering specialised youth-focused services, and adapting quickly to emerging mental health trends.
They can provide culturally appropriate support and innovative service delivery models that complement government frameworks.
Both approaches are necessary – the government provides the funding and creates the framework while NGOs provide responsive, specialised advocacy and services.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 126

Outline three key differences between government and non-government organisations in their roles of advocating for young people's health. (3 marks)

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Answers could include any three of the following:

Government creates binding health policies through legislative authority achieving population-wide change. In contrast, NGOs operate independently to fill service gaps and provide immediate support where government provision is inadequate.
Government controls significant funding through budget processes enabling large-scale initiatives, whereas NGOs adapt quickly to emerging issues with flexible, targeted responses
Government is accountable to voters and parliament, which often leads it to prioritise broad demographic needs. On the other hand, NGOs can focus on specific populations and needs like youth mental health.
Government develops formal policy frameworks through systematic processes including legislation. In contrast, NGOs attempt to cover service gaps and advocate externally to influence government policy development.

Show Worked Solution

Answers could include any three of the following:

Government creates binding health policies through legislative authority achieving population-wide change. In contrast, NGOs operate independently to fill service gaps and provide immediate support where government provision is inadequate.
Government controls significant funding through budget processes enabling large-scale initiatives, whereas NGOs adapt quickly to emerging issues with flexible, targeted responses
Government is accountable to voters and parliament, which often leads it to prioritise broad demographic needs. On the other hand, NGOs can focus on specific populations and needs like youth mental health.
Government develops formal policy frameworks through systematic processes including legislation. In contrast, NGOs attempt to cover service gaps and advocate externally to influence government policy development.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 428

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues and suicide compared to non-Indigenous young people.

Outline the roles of government and non-government organisations in addressing this issue and discuss strategies they could adopt to improve the mental health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. (6 marks)

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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Government Role

Provide funding for culturally appropriate mental health services specifically designed for ATSI communities

Government Strategies

Implement culturally responsive mental health programs in schools with high ATSI student populations. While this provides accessible early intervention, critics contend school-based programs often fail to be effective for disconnected youth.
Develop Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partnerships. On one hand, this ensures cultural governance. On the other hand, bureaucratic requirements may slow implementation.

NGO Role

Deliver community-based support programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary mental health approaches.

NGO Strategies

Establish peer support networks led by ATSI young people to reduce stigma. A key advantage is connecting young people with relatable role models. Conversely, young leaders may lack training for difficult cases. This creates both opportunities for culturally safe spaces and challenges in ensuring support quality.
Train ATSI Elders as mental health first aid advocates. From one perspective, this respects traditional knowledge systems. An alternative perspective suggests Elders may feel burdened with Western responsibilities. Nevertheless, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary training offers sustainable solutions despite potential tensions.

Show Worked Solution

*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Government Role

Provide funding for culturally appropriate mental health services specifically designed for ATSI communities

Government Strategies

Implement culturally responsive mental health programs in schools with high ATSI student populations. While this provides accessible early intervention, critics contend school-based programs often fail to be effective for disconnected youth.
Develop Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation partnerships. On one hand, this ensures cultural governance. On the other hand, bureaucratic requirements may slow implementation.

NGO Role

Deliver community-based support programs incorporating traditional healing practices alongside contemporary mental health approaches.

NGO Strategies

Establish peer support networks led by ATSI young people to reduce stigma. A key advantage is connecting young people with relatable role models. Conversely, young leaders may lack training for difficult cases. This creates both opportunities for culturally safe spaces and challenges in ensuring support quality.
Train ATSI Elders as mental health first aid advocates. From one perspective, this respects traditional knowledge systems. An alternative perspective suggests Elders may feel burdened with Western responsibilities. Nevertheless, combining traditional wisdom with contemporary training offers sustainable solutions despite potential tensions.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 090

With reference to Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) and ONE other example, explain how the methods used by young people to advocate for their health have evolved over time. (5 marks)

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*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

Young people’s health advocacy has evolved from formal representation to direct participation because technology and social attitudes have transformed communication.
This has evolved due to organisations recognising young people’s ability to self-advocate. As a result, advocacy has shifted from “speaking for” to “speaking with” young people.
CYDA demonstrates this evolution through changing operational models. Initially, CYDA advocated on behalf of young people with disabilities. Subsequently however, they launched youth-led initiatives like the National Youth Disability Summit and LivdX. This shift enables young people with disabilities to directly share experiences and propose solutions.
Individual advocacy emerged due to the emergence of accessible digital platforms. For instance, 14-year-old Scout Sylva-Richardson independently wrote a bestselling autism book after identifying resource gaps.
This reveals that young people no longer must have organisational backing. Social media creates direct pathways to global audiences. This happens because platforms bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Consequently, youth health messages reach targets faster and more authentically. In this way, contemporary youth advocacy achieves greater impact through evolved digital methods.

Show Worked Solution

*Language highlighting the cause-effect relationship is bolded in the answer below.

Young people’s health advocacy has evolved from formal representation to direct participation because technology and social attitudes have transformed communication.
This has evolved due to organisations recognising young people’s ability to self-advocate. As a result, advocacy has shifted from “speaking for” to “speaking with” young people.
CYDA demonstrates this evolution through changing operational models. Initially, CYDA advocated on behalf of young people with disabilities. Subsequently however, they launched youth-led initiatives like the National Youth Disability Summit and LivdX. This shift enables young people with disabilities to directly share experiences and propose solutions.
Individual advocacy emerged due to the emergence of accessible digital platforms. For instance, 14-year-old Scout Sylva-Richardson independently wrote a bestselling autism book after identifying resource gaps.
This reveals that young people no longer must have organisational backing. Social media creates direct pathways to global audiences. This happens because platforms bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Consequently, youth health messages reach targets faster and more authentically. In this way, contemporary youth advocacy achieves greater impact through evolved digital methods.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 088

A health policy advisor is investigating the effectiveness of Indigenous youth healthcare models.

Outline THREE key factors that explain why young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people might choose Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) over mainstream services. (3 marks)

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ACCHOs provide culturally safe environments where cultural identities are respected. This reduces experiences of discrimination and allows patients to express their cultural needs without fear of judgment.
These organisations offer healthcare models designed by and for ATSI Peoples, ensuring treatments and approaches align with cultural practices and community-specific understanding of health and wellbeing for both the young and old.
Evidence shows ACCHOs achieve 5% greater lifetime impact than mainstream services. This demonstrates their effectiveness in addressing health inequities through culturally responsive approaches with Indigenous youth further benefiting from early intervention.

Show Worked Solution

ACCHOs provide culturally safe environments where cultural identities are respected. This reduces experiences of discrimination and allows patients to express their cultural needs without fear of judgment.
These organisations offer healthcare models designed by and for ATSI Peoples, ensuring treatments and approaches align with cultural practices and community-specific understanding of health and wellbeing for both the young and old.
Evidence shows ACCHOs achieve 5% greater lifetime impact than mainstream services. This demonstrates their effectiveness in addressing health inequities through culturally responsive approaches with Indigenous youth further benefiting from early intervention.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 087

Identify an organisation that advocates for the health of young people and discuss its impact on the health of young people in the community. (6 marks)

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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Example 1: Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP)

ACYP is a government organisation that has significantly impacted youth health by consulting with over 40,000 young people through face-to-face meetings and online surveys. While this provides extensive reach for gathering youth perspectives, critics argue online methods may exclude digitally disadvantaged communities
ACYP provides young people with a formal voice in parliament, ensuring their perspectives directly influence policies. On one hand, this creates unprecedented youth representation in government. On the other hand, young voices must still filter through adult decision-makers who control implementation
By engaging youth in surveys, advocacy training and round tables, ACYP helps promote young people to become active participants. A key advantage is developing youth leadership skills for future advocacy. However, this must be weighed against the time commitment required.
These consultations have led to parliamentary recommendations that better address actual youth needs. From one perspective, this ensures evidence-based policy development. An alternative view suggests recommendations often face lengthy implementation delays. Nevertheless, youth-informed policies create both opportunities for targeted solutions and challenges in translating recommendations into funded programs.

Example 2: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

NACCHO is an NGO that has substantially impacted Indigenous youth health by providing culturally appropriate healthcare through community-run organisations. While this offers services aligned with cultural values, critics contend limited funding restricts their reach to all remote communities.
NACCHO’s approach ensures healthcare respects cultural traditions, increasing Indigenous youth engagement with services. A key advantage is building trust through familiar cultural practices. Conversely, maintaining both traditional and Western medical standards creates challenges in staff training and resource allocation.
Evidence of NACCHO’s impact includes over 3 million healthcare interactions producing significant Indigenous patient growth. On one hand, these numbers demonstrate widespread community acceptance. However, this must be weighed against the strain on limited resources and potential service quality concerns.
Research shows NACCHO achieves better long-term health outcomes than mainstream services for Indigenous communities. From one perspective, this validates community-led healthcare models. An alternative view suggests comparison difficulties arise from different patient demographics and health complexities. Nevertheless, the evidence supports culturally appropriate care despite ongoing funding uncertainties.

Show Worked Solution

*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.

Example 1: Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP)

ACYP is a government organisation that has significantly impacted youth health by consulting with over 40,000 young people through face-to-face meetings and online surveys. While this provides extensive reach for gathering youth perspectives, critics argue online methods may exclude digitally disadvantaged communities
ACYP provides young people with a formal voice in parliament, ensuring their perspectives directly influence policies. On one hand, this creates unprecedented youth representation in government. On the other hand, young voices must still filter through adult decision-makers who control implementation
By engaging youth in surveys, advocacy training and round tables, ACYP helps promote young people to become active participants. A key advantage is developing youth leadership skills for future advocacy. However, this must be weighed against the time commitment required.
These consultations have led to parliamentary recommendations that better address actual youth needs. From one perspective, this ensures evidence-based policy development. An alternative view suggests recommendations often face lengthy implementation delays. Nevertheless, youth-informed policies create both opportunities for targeted solutions and challenges in translating recommendations into funded programs.

Example 2: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

NACCHO is an NGO that has substantially impacted Indigenous youth health by providing culturally appropriate healthcare through community-run organisations. While this offers services aligned with cultural values, critics contend limited funding restricts their reach to all remote communities.
NACCHO’s approach ensures healthcare respects cultural traditions, increasing Indigenous youth engagement with services. A key advantage is building trust through familiar cultural practices. Conversely, maintaining both traditional and Western medical standards creates challenges in staff training and resource allocation.
Evidence of NACCHO’s impact includes over 3 million healthcare interactions producing significant Indigenous patient growth. On one hand, these numbers demonstrate widespread community acceptance. However, this must be weighed against the strain on limited resources and potential service quality concerns.
Research shows NACCHO achieves better long-term health outcomes than mainstream services for Indigenous communities. From one perspective, this validates community-led healthcare models. An alternative view suggests comparison difficulties arise from different patient demographics and health complexities. Nevertheless, the evidence supports culturally appropriate care despite ongoing funding uncertainties.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 068 MC

Which of the following best characterises the approach of non-government organisations in advocating for the health of young people?

They primarily conduct research studies to inform government policy.
They are not funded by the government and therefore focus on private sector partnerships to achieve their objectives.
They focus on empowering specific communities through culturally appropriate services while also influencing broader policy development.
They coordinate between different government agencies to ensure efficient implementation of existing health programs.

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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

C is correct as it captures the dual focus of NGOs on both community empowerment and broader advocacy work.

Other options:

A is incorrect because while research may be part of their work, direct community engagement is a primary focus.
B is incorrect because non-government organisations often receive some government funding.
D is incorrect because while NGOs may work with government agencies, their primary role is not as coordinators between government departments.

HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 066 MC

A student is researching the Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP).

Which of the following is NOT one of the ways that the ACYP aims to initiate change?

Making recommendations to Parliament and government agencies.
Providing direct health services to young people.
Promoting participation by young people in decisions that affect them.
Researching issues that affect young people.

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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

B is correct because ACYP focuses on advocacy, recommendations, research and information provision rather than direct health services.

Other Options:

A is incorrect because the text specifically ACYP does make recommendations to Parliament etc..
C is incorrect because ACYP aims to promote participation and decision-making by young people in this area.
D is incorrect because ACYP does do research on issues that affect young people.