Recent work: Children and young people
01. Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service (2012 - ongoing)
The Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Service (TYMS) provides innovative, holistic mentoring and academic support to Pasifika and Māori children and young people who have fallen through the cracks of our educational system by assisting them to re-engage in education, or find meaningful training or employment.
Point Research has worked alongside TYMS since 2012, and in 2014 we worked together to write an application to the ASB Trust's Catalyst for Change fund. The process involved an intensive capacity building process at the Board and senior management level, the preparation of interviews and case studies, the preparation of the application document and a presentation to the ASB Community Trust Board.
TYMS were successful with their application, and the ASB Community Trust has offered a five-year commitment of approximately $350, 000 per year. We now look forward to working with TYMS on their evaluation activities.
Point Research has worked alongside TYMS since 2012, and in 2014 we worked together to write an application to the ASB Trust's Catalyst for Change fund. The process involved an intensive capacity building process at the Board and senior management level, the preparation of interviews and case studies, the preparation of the application document and a presentation to the ASB Community Trust Board.
TYMS were successful with their application, and the ASB Community Trust has offered a five-year commitment of approximately $350, 000 per year. We now look forward to working with TYMS on their evaluation activities.
02. Breaking the Silence (2013)
Young people are statistically at the highest risk of sexual assault, the age group 16 – 24 yrs being at the highest risk group of sexual assault in any age group. High school students are particularly vulnerable to abuse in that they are both beginning to be at risk in their developing social worlds, while their often relatively powerless place in families means that they may still be at risk from family and family friends with access to the home. New Zealand research on the psycho-social service needs of young people aged 13 – 18, and whether these needs are being met by current services, is particularly sparse. Yet this information is critically important to effectively meet the needs of this group. This research used evaluative questions, data and logic to identify the needs of young people affected by sexual abuse and generate learnings to inform practice, and found that:
'Breaking the Silence' was cited by the multi-agency investigation 'Operation Clover' into the activities of a group calling themselves “The Roast Busters”.
- Young people tend to minimise sexual violence incidents, and a significant number delay disclosure or do not disclose at all.
- Most young people attempt to resolve the problem on their own or with the help of friends
- There is an overall lack of awareness of help services, and young people who do choose to seek help for sexual violence or abuse are faced with the daunting task of navigating the health system and finding a service
- Young people display a deep distrust of professionals, including school nurses and counsellors, which is fuelled by fears of loss of confidentiality and loss of autonomy, and may be impacted by cultural and religious factors.
- Many young people self-blame and believe their parents will see them as blameworthy too. This internalisation triggers a deep sense of embarassment and shame, and presents a powerful barrier to disclosure.
- Young people require information on sexual violence in multiple formats and at multiple levels, including information which is focussed on prevention, reduces the threshold of what is considered abuse and assault, reduces feelings of isolation, helps informal helpers (including friends and supportive family and whanau), and informs on how services such as counselling can help.
'Breaking the Silence' was cited by the multi-agency investigation 'Operation Clover' into the activities of a group calling themselves “The Roast Busters”.
03. Zeal Youth Centre Feasibility Study (2013-2014)
This feasibility study was commissioned by Zeal Education Trust to investigate the feasibility of expanding their current youth provision into the North Shore of Auckland. The study involved:
The study concluded that whilst there are some existing services and organisations catering to youth on the North Shore, many young people are not aware of these opportunities. These services also tend to be activity-based, rather than providing a space for young people to engage in their own pursuits; to hang out, connect socially, and engage in activities if and when they like. A new youth service which allowed young people to do this would not duplicate existing services and organisations, but instead provide opportunities for young people to engage with and enhance their social, economic and artistic skills and wellbeing, and connect them with their wider community.
- Compilation of a demographic profile of young people in the North Shore;
- A stocktake of current youth services, activities and events in the area;
- Feedback from youth service providers in the area about perceived gaps in the social and recreational opportunities for young people, and suggestions for how these needs might best be met;
- A review of models of positive youth development and the benefits of youth spaces and organisations;
- Consultation with young people living on the North Shore about what gaps they perceive in their social and recreational opportunities; and
- Consultation with young people about ideas and options for a youth facility.
The study concluded that whilst there are some existing services and organisations catering to youth on the North Shore, many young people are not aware of these opportunities. These services also tend to be activity-based, rather than providing a space for young people to engage in their own pursuits; to hang out, connect socially, and engage in activities if and when they like. A new youth service which allowed young people to do this would not duplicate existing services and organisations, but instead provide opportunities for young people to engage with and enhance their social, economic and artistic skills and wellbeing, and connect them with their wider community.
04. Youth NEET Think Piece (2013)
In the year to March 2013, 80,000 of New Zealand’s young people aged 16-24 were counted as NEET – not in employment, education, or training. One third of all unemployed in New Zealand are youth aged under 25 years. Young Māori (23%) and Pasifika (19.8%) are more likely to be NEET than are NZ European youth (11.4%). There is a marked gender distinction in the youth NEET rate with females at 16.2 per cent, compared to males at 10.4 per cent.
This think-piece was commissioned by a philanthropic trust in order to clarify its understanding of the issue of youth NEET, what the root causes are, what good practice looks like, and what role philanthropy might have. This report is based on key informant interviews, as well as a literature review and desktop scan of the current youth NEET environment.
This think-piece was commissioned by a philanthropic trust in order to clarify its understanding of the issue of youth NEET, what the root causes are, what good practice looks like, and what role philanthropy might have. This report is based on key informant interviews, as well as a literature review and desktop scan of the current youth NEET environment.
05. Youthtown Sports Development Programme (2013)
Youthtown is a non-profit organisation set up to help young New Zealanders succeed and flourish by providing them with opportunities for fulfilling physical, social and creative experiences.
Since 2008, Youthtown Papakura has run a fully-funded, school-based sports development programme which is delivered either weekly or fortnightly to students in 21 South Auckland schools.
In 2013 Youthtown contracted Point Research to conduct a qualitative evaluation project focussed on understanding and assessing the social impact and outcomes of the sports development programme. The project used a multi-method approach which included an evidence review, a paper-based survey of 277 students, an online survey of teaching staff, key informant interviews, observations and a photo mural created by students.
The research found that the youth development approach used by the coaches and mentors has impacted positively on the participation and enjoyment of students in physical activity. Overall levels of confidence have improved for three-quarters (75%) of students who take part in Youthtown Sports, and half of all students (50%) believe that their attitude to school has improved since taking part in the programme.
Since 2008, Youthtown Papakura has run a fully-funded, school-based sports development programme which is delivered either weekly or fortnightly to students in 21 South Auckland schools.
In 2013 Youthtown contracted Point Research to conduct a qualitative evaluation project focussed on understanding and assessing the social impact and outcomes of the sports development programme. The project used a multi-method approach which included an evidence review, a paper-based survey of 277 students, an online survey of teaching staff, key informant interviews, observations and a photo mural created by students.
The research found that the youth development approach used by the coaches and mentors has impacted positively on the participation and enjoyment of students in physical activity. Overall levels of confidence have improved for three-quarters (75%) of students who take part in Youthtown Sports, and half of all students (50%) believe that their attitude to school has improved since taking part in the programme.
06. Brothers in Arms
Brothers in Arms is a New Zealand-based child and youth mentoring programme for young people who need a positive role model in their lives. Their vision is to build and support cohesive communities through intentional, transforming relationships.
This project looked at the quality of the Brothers In Arms standard mentoring relationships taking place in Auckland. The project involves building organisational capacity around understanding and influencing change as well as quantitative and qualitative data collection.
This project looked at the quality of the Brothers In Arms standard mentoring relationships taking place in Auckland. The project involves building organisational capacity around understanding and influencing change as well as quantitative and qualitative data collection.
07. Vodafone World of Difference (2012)
Vodafone’s flagship project World of Difference, which started in New Zealand, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012.
The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation contracted Point Research to help understand and articulate what difference World of Difference has made and the impacts it has had on promoting the health and wellbeing of young New Zealanders.
You can read the case study here, or download the report.
The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation contracted Point Research to help understand and articulate what difference World of Difference has made and the impacts it has had on promoting the health and wellbeing of young New Zealanders.
You can read the case study here, or download the report.
08. Youthtown Voice of New Zealand (2011, 2012)
The Youthtown Voice of New Zealand survey gave young New Zealanders a voice on things that matter to them.
The survey generated significant data from hundreds of New Zealand youth on topics as diverse as relationships, people they look up to, and where they see their future.
The survey generated significant data from hundreds of New Zealand youth on topics as diverse as relationships, people they look up to, and where they see their future.
09. Attitude (ongoing)
ATTITUDE is the youth education division of Parents Inc., dedicated to creatively teaching life skills that will assist teenagers to make life-enhancing choices. The inspirational programmes encompass all aspects of total wellbeing and are designed to help prevent youth suicide, teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), amongst other problems faced by teens.
Point Research has partnered with The Parenting Place (formerly Parents Inc.) for the last five years to evaluate the Attitude programme.
Point Research has partnered with The Parenting Place (formerly Parents Inc.) for the last five years to evaluate the Attitude programme.
10. Zeal Voice (2011)
Zeal is a team of people committed to the advancement of young people in the creative arts, leadership and education. Zeal is currently initiating a number of strengths-based responses to the binge drinking issue among teens. One of these initiatives is a music video and documentary used as a social and civic action tool against under-age binge drinking.
This evaluation, which used focus groups, individual and group interviews and surveys, demonstrates how participation in the Zeal Voice project has impacted on the young people involved, particularly with regards to facilitating them on their pathway towards further education and employment. The reporting uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, with an emphasis on impact profiles designed to illustrate the impact of participation in the project for the young people and industry professionals involved.
The first song produced by Zeal Voice, entitled "Find a Way" by All my Brothers ft. Sid Diamond can be viewed here.
This evaluation, which used focus groups, individual and group interviews and surveys, demonstrates how participation in the Zeal Voice project has impacted on the young people involved, particularly with regards to facilitating them on their pathway towards further education and employment. The reporting uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, with an emphasis on impact profiles designed to illustrate the impact of participation in the project for the young people and industry professionals involved.
The first song produced by Zeal Voice, entitled "Find a Way" by All my Brothers ft. Sid Diamond can be viewed here.
11. We Can Keep Safe (2011)
We Can Keep Safe is a proactive personal safety programme intended to reduce the sexual abuse of children. The programme encourages safe, affirming messages about: body awareness, touching and feeling, telling and keeping safe in many areas of our lives. It aims to teach this in a fun, age appropriate manner that encourages consistent messages at home and in the classroom. This evaluation used a case study approach to better understand the impact of the programme, in particular how learning retention within this particular programme grew and was retained by children and parents alike, and the impact on behaviour.
12. Boys Alive evaluation (2010)
Boys Alive is a nine session group mentoring programme for boys aged eight to 12 years old who may have a lack of positive male role models, or have behavioural difficulties, or issues around anger, self-control, relationships, communication, or self-esteem. The aim of this evaluation was to understand how well the Boys Alive programme is working, to identify ongoing evaluation techniques and processes with which to build the internal evaluation capacity of the programme and to offer recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. The evaluation took place during between August and December, 2010. The evaluation found that the programme appears to have a considerable impact in the short term on behaviour change for programme participants. Whilst written evaluations show a general upward trend in the medium term, parental feedback indicates that there is some regression following the completion of the programme. One of the key recommendations from this report was for the programme to consider ways of upskilling parents to enable them to create an environment which contributes to sustained and lasting change.
You can find out more about the Boys Alive programme here.
You can find out more about the Boys Alive programme here.
13. CAYAD (2010)
This project evaluated the CAYAD "More than Just a Policy" process and guidelines.
Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) is a national initiative funded by the Ministry of Health, which works in collaboration with agencies and community groups to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm experienced by young people. In 2009, CAYAD Auckland and Waitakere undertook a project designed to guide youth organisations to build robust drug and alcohol policies. As part of the project, CAYAD put together two guiding documents, the More than Just a Policy: Guidelines and Workbook, which contain background information on why drug and alcohol policies are important and comprehensive guidelines as to how youth organisations can develop and implement alcohol and other drug (AOD) policies. The purpose of this evaluation was to find out how well the Guidelines and Workbook worked in guiding these organisations to develop their policies, how they found the drafting process, and the lessons and insights that can be learned from this process and passed on to other organisations who may wish to use the Guidelines and Workbook to draft their own policies.
You can visit the CAYAD website here.
Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) is a national initiative funded by the Ministry of Health, which works in collaboration with agencies and community groups to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm experienced by young people. In 2009, CAYAD Auckland and Waitakere undertook a project designed to guide youth organisations to build robust drug and alcohol policies. As part of the project, CAYAD put together two guiding documents, the More than Just a Policy: Guidelines and Workbook, which contain background information on why drug and alcohol policies are important and comprehensive guidelines as to how youth organisations can develop and implement alcohol and other drug (AOD) policies. The purpose of this evaluation was to find out how well the Guidelines and Workbook worked in guiding these organisations to develop their policies, how they found the drafting process, and the lessons and insights that can be learned from this process and passed on to other organisations who may wish to use the Guidelines and Workbook to draft their own policies.
You can visit the CAYAD website here.
14. Rainbow Youth (2010)
Rainbow Youth is an Auckland-based organisation that provides support, information, advocacy & education for queer young people & their families. This project focused on providing a set of recommendations for a role that focused on the needs of queer youth nationally. Point Research spoke to queer youthgroups nationwide, interviewed key stakeholders and gathered forther information via an online survey. The project included a needs assessment of queer youth organisations and relevant stakeholders, conducted a “stocktake” of existing research and resources, and contained a current contacts and resources document.
15. Scoping Disadvantaged Children
This scoping project was designed to identify risk and protective factors and how to encourage resilience in children and young people. Data collection included 20 key stakeholder interviews and an examination of the risk and resilience evidence-base.
This project eventuated in the JR McKenzie Trust Connecting Education and Communities project
This project eventuated in the JR McKenzie Trust Connecting Education and Communities project
