Victorian Youth Advocacy Network

Description

Agent TypeOrganisationActivities & OccupationsYouth organisationsHistoryThe Victorian Youth Advocacy Network is an independent non-government statewide organisation that focuses on young people and their human rights. It was formed in December 1985 after formerly being known as the Victorian Youth and the Law project. The Network was established as an outcome of extensive statewide consultations and overseas research which clearly stated that youth advocacy needed to be established. Its origins came from legal workers and youth workers involved in the Community Legal Centre movement in Melbourne, and young people. They were all concerned about the way legal issues and legal process were addressed in relation to young people. There were eighteen Community Legal Centres, plus the Victorian Legal Aid Commission, the Aboriginal Legal Service, and various legal advice and referral services provided through Citizens Advice Bureaux in Victoria during 1983. Even though there appeared to be many options for young people to gain legal assistance, the existing structures of legal aid were unable to meet the demands of young people who were seeking more than legal advice and representation. They wanted to participate in the legal process and gain access to legal knowledge that would empower them in their everyday lives. The Network is administered by a Management Committee which is elected at an annual general meeting by its membership. The Management Committee is responsible for overall planning, direction and implementation of programs, staff management, various sub-committees and financial accountability. It was largely funded by State Government and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Series

Dates

Date1985-

University of Melbourne Archives

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Victorian Youth Advocacy Network