Survey examines youth services
La Trobe University researchers have launched an online survey to investigate the quality of services for same-sex attracted and transgendered youth (SSATY) in Victoria.
Called Beyond Homophobia, the project will focus on cultural and diversity friendly spaces available to SSATY.
Researchers will work with successful examples of culture change strategies to drive forward positive change in the state’s service providers.
The research has been earmarked to become policy blueprint for government decision-makers down the track and is part of a project funded by charitable organisation, the William Buckland Foundation.
Researchers will work in partnerships with Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Intersex Health.
Researcher Dr Daniel Marshall said the project is important as it builds on previous work over the last 10 years in the area of SSATY development.
There are lots of people out there who work with same-sex attracted and transgender young people really effectively but there are also many others who struggle to provide inclusive services, Marshall said.
This survey will help us find out about what barriers prevent workers from delivering inclusive services to same-sex attracted and transgender youth and also what helps them.
The research is currently in the third of four stages, which is an online questionnaire, and will be used in conjunction with information from key stakeholders in SSATY in the overall research.
Marshall said he hopes the blueprint will be out by the middle of next year.
info: To take part in the survey, go to: www.latrobe.edu.au/ssay/BeyondHomophobiaSurvey.html
