Integrated systems approaches: Creative applications for working with disengaged youth

Abstract

This article proposes a salient model of practice, Integrated Systems Approaches (ISA), which emerges from secondary education work with disengaged male youths, and has utility across similar settings. The site hosts students with a range of challenges to engagement, focussing on relationship development, personal accountability, self-reflection and broad education that engages students through transformative learning experiences. Using ISA, practitioners support students’ resilience through: revitalising family connections, fostering positive peer associations, and capitalising on staff guidance; concurrently, connecting students with relevant support services, and generating constructive industry-placement mentoring. Through design-led transformative learning experiences students engage in critical reflection and experimentation. While this model has not undergone statistical analysis to determine efficacy, this article outlines the structure, logic and processes of ISA.