The need for a roadmap to guide actions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescent health: youth governance as an essential foundation

Abstract

Adolescence (10– 24 years of age) is now recognised as a key developmental window for the health of individuals, their communities and the next generation.1 Onethird of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) population in Australia are adolescents,2 and our earlier work has shown that Indigenous adolescents have distinct health needs largely unmet by existing policies and services.3 Fundamentally, adolescence is a dynamic developmental phase characterised by transitions in the social and cultural determinants of health – — key targets for addressing health inequities experienced by Indigenous Australians. For these reasons, adolescent health is a core focus for health policy and action, not only for Indigenous peoples but all populations.