Information for People Who Work with Young People

Our approach in working with young people

The values of Metropolitan Youth Health that guide and shape its approach to working with vulnerable young people include:

• Respect – for the rights, dignity and aspirations of young people.
• Compassion – a genuine concern for young people and a capacity to empathise with them and their life circumstances.
• Integrity – a commitment to maintaining professional standards of behaviour at all times in accordance with the South Australian Public Service Code of Ethics requirements.
• Privacy and Confidentiality – ensuring that the rights of young people are protected in not
  having their private information disclosed without their knowledge and written consent unless otherwise mandated by law.
• Collegiality – respect for the knowledge, abilities and contribution of co-workers, and a willingness to work collaboratively or in partnership with other services and stakeholders in achieving the best possible outcomes for young people.
• Cultural Sensitivity – an appreciation of cultural differences, a non-judgmental attitude to cultural value systems different to one’s own and a desire to develop competencies in working in a culturally diverse context.

Why refer your young person to a specific youth health service?

For many young people their health can be adversely affected by difficult life events, discrimination and violence, and the barriers in access to appropriate service provision.

We believe that young people will achieve better health outcomes if they have access to ‘youth friendly’ services in which:

• their confidentiality is assured and the care they receive is respectful
• there is quality communication by staff
• they are involved in their own care planning and outcomes
• the environment and response offered is age appropriate; and
• there is continuity of care.

Referral information for health professionals

Young people can directly contact or be referred by another service. Young people must meet eligibility criteria (target populations) to receive a service.

Before you refer:

• discuss the referral with the young person and ensure you have their consent
• check that the services we provide suit the young person
• check that the young person’s phone number and address is current
• be specific about the young person’s symptoms and the reason/s for making the referral.

Please call if you would like to discuss the suitability of making a referral.

Use the following form to refer:

• Metropolitan Youth Health Referral Form