• Martina Boese, Rosanna Scutella
• Brotherhood of St Laurence

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22 August 2006The traditional 'coming of age' is a longer and less clear-cut process for this generation of young people, who often enjoy the benefits of more study, but also less secure job prospects according to Martina Boese and Rosanna Scutella. The 'Youth Transition Social Barometer' throws new light on the experiences of young people, particularly the socially disadvantaged, in areas such as health, economic resources and education.

The second issue of the Brotherhood’s Social Barometer examines how well
equipped Australian youth are (or are not) to negotiate successfully the
transition from childhood to adulthood, from school to work, in a
changing world. It presents indicators of capabilities covering seven
dimensions from physical and mental health to education and employment
and social participation. Each section is introduced by an individual’s
story. The barometer concentrates on national data, paying particular
attention to young people with socioeconomically disadvantaged, refugee
and Indigenous backgrounds.