At the 'center' : young people's involvement in youth centers from design to usage

Youth centers are environments that exist specifically for young people to access programs, support or health services, and socio-recreation activities. They can be found in communities across the world. For many adolescents and young adults, these centers serve as a critical point of contact and environment in their lives. Despite their importance to youth development, the majority of youth centers are not purpose-built environments. At best they are renovated or retrofitted buildings, such as converted amenities blocks, church halls or small vacated retail spaces. However, this is starting to change with several purpose-built facilities being commissioned around Australia over the last five years as part of local government initiatives (e.g., Coledale Revitalization Strategy, Shire of Boddington Strategic Community Plan) and several major international initiatives (e.g., Myplace Program, UK, and Youth Cafe Capital Funding Program, Ireland). Young people's direct involvement in the planning and design of these facilities varies and is not always seen as essential by the governments and professionals involved in the project. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage authorities and practitioners involved in the development of purpose-built youth centers to prioritize the engagement of young people throughout the planning and design processes. The intent is also to champion the importance of creating an environment that effectively encourages young people's engagement in the delivery of the youth center services after the center's creation. The discussion in this chapter begins with a description of a youth center. The notion of young people's involvement is then discussed as an integral part of creating a youth center setting that is effective in encouraging young people to engage with the center. The chapter concludes with a good practice case study and recommendations to ensure meaningful involvement in research and design projects for the development of a youth center with young people.