What is youth advocacy?
Youth advocacy is when children and young people take steps to use their voices to influence positive change.
Youth advocacy can happen in many different ways: having a say on new policies that affect young people, raising awareness on topics they care about, or participating in their communities on current discussions.
Youth advocacy is important because young people have unique lived experiences and bring insightful perspectives to situations, especially those that impact them. If we are working with and for children and young people, we must collaborate with them as much as we can.
"Young people should be involved in decision making because these decisions also impact us. We are the next generation so we should be involved in this crucial process of decision making to benefit our current society and our future too."
-QFCC Youth Advocate Jessy, Child and Youth Participation Framework
QFCC Youth Advocacy
We are a statutory authority of the Queensland Government. We monitor the performance and effectiveness of Queensland’s child protection and youth justice systems. Our vision is that every Queensland child is loved, respected and has their rights upheld.
To fulfil our duties, vision and to influence systemic change, it is crucial that we hear the voices of Queensland children, young people and their families, we amplify their views, and we collaborate with them.
Youth advocacy helps us to understand what is happening for young Queenslanders and to help us in our role to influence change.
We do youth advocacy in many ways. We:
- consult and collaborate with young people and youth groups from all over Queensland
- promote youth participation
- work with other youth organisations
- connect Youth Advocates with opportunities in other government agencies
- employ Youth Advocates to participate in activities
- have Youth Advisory Council meetings every quarter.
If you want to learn more about the work we do, check out our about us page and our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026.
QFCC Youth Advocates
We employ Youth Advocates, aged 14 to 25, on a casual basis to advocate about topics that are important to young Queenslanders. They also support and inform QFCC projects, policies and outcomes.
Youth Advocates do not have a set work pattern or hours, they choose the opportunities they want to be involved in and have the flexibility to work around their commitments.
What do QFCC Youth Advocates do?
Youth Advocates are vital to amplifying the voices and experiences of young Queenslanders and influencing decision-makers on issues that impact young people.
Some of the ways QFCC Youth Advocates do this is by:
- providing advice to the QFCC on topics that are important to young Queenslanders
- providing advice to government and non-government agencies on issues that are important to young people through meetings, workshops, policy submissions or other forms of content
- writing website and social media content about topics that young people are passionate about
- participating in youth participation projects, including facilitating focus groups, chairing meetings, presenting to government representatives, or representing the QFCC at youth forums and events
- participating in media activities that support their advocacy areas, including interviews for radio, TV and online stories.
Who do QFCC Youth Advocates work with?
Youth advocates work with our Engagement Support Officers, staff, Executive Directors and Commissioners. They also work with people outside of the QFCC, including other Queensland Government departments, non-government organisations and stakeholders.
Opportunities for QFCC Youth Advocates
- QFCC Youth Advisory Council meetings
- QFCC Youth Advisory Council meetings are held each quarter are where Youth Advocates, staff and Commissioners can have open discussions around the issues impacting children, young people and their families across the state.
- Policy Submissions
- Provide advice and lived experiences to government and non-government agencies on issues that are important to young people through meetings, workshops, policy submissions or other forms of content.
- Reports
- QFCC Youth Advocates can inform reports by participating in consultations and writing content. Youth Advocates’ views and experiences can inform the final products.
- Amplify Blogs
- QFCC Youth Advocates write content for our Youth Space blog page and our social media platforms on topics they are passionate about and/or events they attend
- Youth Summit
- The Youth Summit amplifies the experiences of young people from across Queensland, aged under 25 years, providing a platform to voice ideas for positive change.
- Advocacy development
- We have opportunities for QFCC Youth Advocates to develop their advocacy skills through professional development opportunities with skilled professionals.
- Media opportunities
- There are many opportunities for QFCC Youth Advocates to be involved in media interviews and stories on issues affecting young Queenslanders.
Interested in becoming a QFCC Youth Advocate?
Subscribe to our Amplify Newsletter!
Youth advocacy is when children and young people take steps to use their voices to influence positive change.
Youth advocacy can happen in many different ways: having a say on new policies that affect young people, raising awareness on topics they care about, or participating in their communities on current discussions.
Youth advocacy is important because young people have unique lived experiences and bring insightful perspectives to situations, especially those that impact them. If we are working with and for children and young people, we must collaborate with them as much as we can.
Young people should be involved in decision making because these decisions also impact us. We are the next generation so we should be involved in this crucial process of decision making to benefit our current society and our future too.
We aren’t actively recruiting now, but if you are interested in becoming a QFCC Youth Advocate, express your interest by emailing: yac@qfcc.qld.gov.au
Additionally, you can stay updated on our social media and/or subscribe to our Amplify blog below.
The QFCC supports paying people for their time to participate, lived experience and expertise. Youth Advocates are paid at an AO3 casual rate. This is around $44/hour – this rate is subject to change. There is a 2-hour minimum for participation activities.
Yes, absolutely! We offer a range of opportunities: online, hybrid, in person, in Brisbane and throughout Queensland, as well as some opportunities including travelling to Brisbane to ensure we amplify the voices of ALL young people throughout Queensland.
Yes, absolutely! We can provide a range of options for individuals to get involved, be a Youth Advocate and engage in opportunities.
It doesn’t matter where you work, if you’re developing programs that impact young people’s lives there will be an opportunity to work with and embed the views of young people. Make sure to check out the youth advocacy networks that are relevant to your work.
You can start by searching community groups that advocate on topics you care about. There are many options for participating.
We are always keen to collaborate. If you or your organisation are interested in working with us and/or our Youth Advocates, email us at yac@qfcc.qld.gov.au to discuss further.
Please note that youth participation is generally funded by the business requesting the activity.
