The plan is focusing on outcomes for young people aged 13- 19 and is based on research and fact-finding by the Council, Police, Te Puni Kokiri, Canterbury District Health Board, the Department of Corrections and the ministries of Social Development, Work and Income, Pacific Island Affairs, Child Youth and Family and Housing New Zealand. “We’ve taken up the challenge of becoming more purposeful in our collaborative efforts,” says Police Superintendent Sandra Manderson.

“We hope this plan will receive the widest possible distribution amongst community leaders, community agencies and support networks. It is the first time that such a plan has been produced and we want it to succeed. Adopting a collaborative approach instead of each individual agency working on its own will hopefully produce the right results.” Superintendent Manderson says the supporting agencies have seven priorities:

• All young people are able to live active and health lives
• All young people have the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will equip them to learn throughout their lifetime
• All young people are able to enjoy safety and security and to contribute to a society free from victimisation, abuse and violence and avoidable injury
• All young people are able to feel secure in their own cultural identity and to demonstrate respect for other cultures
• All young people are able to contribute to and experience constructive relationships with their families and others in their communities and workplaces
• All young people are able to make successful transitions towards long-term economic independence

“The plan is based on research that pinpoints specific areas of need. We know for example that more young people smoke in spite of the publicity given to the health hazards of smoking. We know from analysis that youth offending is a serious issue in Christchurch, with Maori having a high percentage compared with the total figures. We know that young men have a much higher level of offending than young women and we know that alcohol and drug misuse amongst young people is becoming an increasing concern.”