Putting the pieces together
Providing opportunities for all children and young people on the Central Coast to achieve their optimal physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.

Why develop a Child and Youth Strategy for the Coast?
The Central Coast is an area of high population growth, and there are many concerns for children and young people on the Coast - recreation, transport, drugs and alcohol, child abuse, and support for parents and families.

What is the Jigsaw Project?
A collaborative project between government agencies and community organisations on the Central Coast - bringing together many issues, promoting collaboration between agencies, and looking after children and young people from many different backgrounds.

Who is involved?
Many agencies and individuals have been involved, for example:
Central Coast Health, Department of Community Services, Premier's Department, Gosford Council, Wyong Council, NSW Police Service, Department of Education and Training, Department of Sport and Recreation, Department of Housing, the Central Coast Community Council, local youth workers, community organisations, members of the public and young people.

What are the strategies about?

• Building a caring community
  Strengthening community networks, preventing violence and abuse, improving access to services.
                     
• Supporting families and parenting
  Providing advice and support for parents, helping those who experience  violence or abuse, promoting family friendly working conditions.
                     
• Supporting those who work with children and young people
  Working together across organisations to provide support for teachers, school staff, health professionals, youth workers and others.
                     
• Preparing our children for school
  Maintaining good health from birth to six, helping children to be ready for school.
                     
• Getting the most out of the school years
  Reviewing school structure, transition processes and curriculum, working with students who have disabilities, improving students' practical life skills.
                     
• Promoting emotional wellbeing
  Promoting emotional wellbeing, physical activity and recreation, helping children and young people who experience emotional or mental health problems.
                     
• Taking action on tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
  Reducing supply to young people providing youth-friendly education and treatment services, looking more closely at the effects of cannabis.
                     
• Moving young people toward independence
  Looking at support and accommodation services, improving school retention, helping early school leavers, and providing information about careers and training.
                     
• Strengthening interagency partnerships
  Promoting further collaboration between government and community organisations who work with children and young people.

Principles of the Child and Youth Strategy
The health and wellbeing of children and young people can be improved by focusing on:

•  Prevention and early intervention
                     
•  Collaboration between agencies
                     
•  Good parenting skills at all ages of development
                     
•  Support for parents, teachers and other carers
                     
•  Environments where children and young people spend time, such as school, home,  recreation venues
                     
•  Practical support to help young people to become more independent as they move  from childhood to adulthood.

More information
The Jigsaw Project is an initiative of a wide range of government agencies and community organisations on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

For a copy of the Child and Youth Strategy or for more information about the Jigsaw Project, please contact the Health Promotion Unit at Central Coast Health by telephone
(02) 4349 4800 or by facsimile (02) 4349 4866.

Page last updated: 06/11/2001