Our strengths

Our AFL underpinnings are of interest to many young people and remove any sense of stigma about participating in a Ladder program.

Program participants have opportunities to interact with AFL and AFLW players and volunteer at AFL activities and events.

We are committed to creating genuine partnerships with local communities and likeminded organisations. These relationships are vital to the success of the program and they ensure that participants are connected into their communities and referred to appropriate services and supports.

From the initial referral, we work closely with each individual and their parents, carers and significant others (including caseworkers) to ensure all parties are actively involved and working as a collective.

Open, collaborative communication and information sharing is vital to maintain a continually integrated approach.

We focus on each young person’s strengths and what they can achieve, helping them to grow and move beyond the cycle of disadvantage and negativity they may have experienced during childhood.

Ladder Development Coaches forge meaningful and respectful relationships with young people. This has provided an important foundation for strong and sustained engagement.

The impact of having a positive, trusting relationship with a Ladder Development Coach or a Ladder Mentor is a game changer for young people who are working hard to overcome the impacts of adverse childhood experiences and build their independence.

Although Ladder has a core, evidence-based practice model and associated program framework, we have the flexibility to tailor our programs to respond to local and individual needs. Co-designing each new program with young people and their local community delivers the best outcomes.

At the start of their program, each young person is asked to identify their aspirations and goals. They then make a deal with Ladder to work together to achieve these goals. The Deal has been an effective and integral part of Ladder’s service delivery model for more than 15 years.

After completing the intensive coaching and mentoring components of the program, participants automatically join the Ladder Alumni Program. This keeps them connected with Ladder peers, positive adult role models, mentoring and growth opportunities over the longer term.

Ladder is agile and able to interpret live data through participant entry surveys, weekly feedback sessions, and continual feedback from our delivery partners and other stakeholders. Continued data collection post program guides quality improvements aimed at achieving sustainable outcomes.