This paper was created by the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership Framing Initiative’s Framing Champions group, with the case study provided by Office for Youth. Serenity has provided informed consent for her story to be used by the Queensland Government Office for Youth in partnership with Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership for the purpose of highlighting the needs of young people and informing discussions on targeted prevention and early intervention. Her case study may be featured in Queensland Government publications, reports, online resources, presentations, social media, and public awareness campaigns, including the Investing for Prevention Symposium on 4 February 2025. To learn more about framing, visit the Framing for Change Learning Hub, developed as a key resource of the Framing Initiative.

Supporting young people to thrive: What young people need, what gets in the way, and what solutions exist

All of us share the same fundamental needs – to belong, to have supportive relationships, and to know someone has our back.

Investing in the strengths and resilience of young people now, is also an investment in the future of families and communities. But right now, many young people aren’t able to thrive. When every young person feels connected and supported, it creates lasting positive outcomes for all generations and strengthens the social fabric of our society.

By meeting the needs of young people, no matter where they live, we ensure that everyone benefits – because what helps young people thrive also strengthens entire communities.

Investing in young people for today, and for our shared futures

Ensuring all young people have what they need to thrive is not just an act of fairness today – it is a community-wide investment in a stronger, more vibrant society. We all have a role to play. Whether it’s by advocating for inclusive policies, supporting youth-led initiatives, or ensuring funding reaches the programs that work, we must commit to creating a future where every young person – regardless of where they live – has the opportunity to succeed.

Let’s build a system that works for all young people, now and for the futures of all of us.

Download the full 4-page document below for more about what young people need to thrive, including a Queensland case study of what works.