Purpose of CPLAN
Communities of Practice Leaders Action Networks (CPLANs) aim to create an ongoing and sustainable structure across ten regions in Queensland to support a consistent focus on:
• Policy issues relevant to young people; and
• Workforce development strategies for the youth sector from a local, regional and state perspective.
The establishment of ten CPLANs falls under the existing structure of YANQ and will utilise and lever off the comprehensive network of youth inter-agencies and networks across the state.
YANQ is currently establishing CPLANs in ten regions of Queensland. They will be made up of representatives from the youth sector in each region who have an interest in contributing to policy development and workforce issues. Click here for more detailed information. The CPLANs will be supported by CPLAN Facilitators in each region, and each CPLAN will be supported by Queensland University of Technology to undertake Participatory Action Research as part of its inquiry into the youth sector.
Where are the CPLAN regions?
Click here for map. The ten regions include:
- Metropolitan
- South East
- South West
- Sunshine Coast
- Central
- Central West
- Mackay
- Townsville
- Far North
- North West
In each region CPLANs will include representatives from the youth sector. They will be resourced by a regional CPLAN facilitator who is employed by YANQ for 7.6 hours a month to organise and support CPLAN meetings and activities.
Each CPLAN will organise themselves in each region, depending on their own youth sector structures. For example in one region the CPLAN will be a stand alone entity, whereas in other regions the CPLAN will be a subcommittee of an interagency. YANQ has also established a State Wide CPLAN, inviting representatives from State Wide Organisations to participate in a state wide inquiry process, as outlined below. Organisations like Local Government Association of Queensland, Dovetail, Queensland Alliance, Queensland Youth Housing Coalition, State Chair of the Partnership Brokerage Program and Youth Connection Programs will be involved in this inquiry.
All CPLANs will meet regularly to inquire on youth sector issues, focused their inquiry on four key questions:
1. What will it take to develop a strong and vibrant youth sector workforce in Queensland?
2. What would it take for this sector to contribute to improved access and opportunities for young people to enhance their inclusion and equity in society?
3. What would it take to increase the level of connection and collaboration across the youth sector?
4. What would it take to create a coherent and collaborative youth policy platform in Queensland?
Three CPLAN forums, involving Regional CPLAN facilitators and a representative from each CPLAN, will be held in 2012 to enable all the participants to discuss the progress of their work, key issues and undertake training, to support their role in the CPLAN initiative. Peer mentoring and support will be built into these processes. The dates for these forums are 21-23 February, 19-21 June, and 11-13 September.
Information collected at these forums will be utilised by YANQ in a number of ways including; informing its policy development process (click here); forwarding information to relevant government agencies; and feeding information back to the youth sector across Queensland. The CPLANs will also be able to provide information to Workforce Council on training required for the youth sector in their region. Click here to see a diagram which illustrates how CPLANs fit into the YANQ structure. And click here to see a diagram illustrating the relationship of YANQ to CPLAN process.
Where are we up to?
YANQ is in the process of establishing CPLANs across Queensland. Established CPLANs include Brisbane Metropolitan, South East Queensland; Sunshine Coast; South West Queensland; Central Coast, Central West, Mid North and North Queensland. We are in process of establishing a CPLAN in Far North and North West Queensland.
For further information contact Trish Ferrier, Policy Coordinator, ph 3844 7713, mobile 0437 048 091 or [email protected]