LDAT and Planet Youth

The Planet Youth model is now being used in over 30 countries worldwide. It was developed in Iceland over 20 years ago and has been highly successful in improving wellbeing and reducing rates of alcohol and other drug use amongst young people in Iceland.

Planet Youth works by addressing the risk and protective factors that predict adolescent substance use, helping prevent the problem before it arises. These risk and protective factors fall into the four main categories of parenting, peer group, general wellbeing and sports and recreation.

In Australia, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) has partnered with Planet Youth to trial this model through the Local Drug Action Team program in seven different regions in New South Wales and South Australia. This is part of a broader project to understand the applicability of the Planet Youth approach in the Australian context.

The Local Drug Action Teams participating are located in:

NSW

• Lithgow
• Blue Mountains
• Inner West

SA

• Murray Bridge
• Limestone Coast
• Port Pirie
• Salisbury

The Planet Youth trial is an opportunity to apply international evidence to strengthen the work of Australia’s Local Drug Action Teams.

Read more

• Planet Youth pilot sites are reaping rewards
• Blue Mountains LDAT works with Planet Youth

In Australia, Planet Youth is funded by the Australian Government, Department of Health and delivered through the ADF’s LDAT Program. In South Australia, Planet Youth model has been extended and is also supported by the South Australian Government, Wellbeing SA.