Wodonga in top 10 per cent for child mistreatment

Research into young people in the area shows Wodonga is in the top 10 per cent of local government area for incidence of such mistreatment.

Data suggests 35 per cent of young people have seen or been involved in family violence.

Only one in five Wodonga youths can access mental health services when needed while 14 per cent of those trying to find work are unable to do so.

One in ten are unemployed and are not receiving education.

The findings will be presented to councillors at a meeting on Monday night in a bid to ensure young people are prepared with life skills, education and employment, that they are socially engaged and are healthy.

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The council has sought feedback from the plan.

The report notes the impact that family violence is having on youth, a notes that 30 per cent of young people don't have a trusted adult in their lives.

"40 per cent of family violence in Wodonga occurs in front of children," the author says.

"This leads to trauma and negative impact on development, health and well-being.

"(It) can result in acceptance or normalisation of violence for solving problems and becoming perpetrators of violence themselves as adults."

One participant in a forum said there needed to be more information about the services available to young people.

Such services often have waiting lists, making access difficult.

The report found it was "critical" for the council to plan for a growing population of young people.

There will be an additional 3500 youths living in Wodonga in the next two decades.

The report lists a wide range of measures to address the issues.

"Multiple sectors, organisations and community members engage in efforts to improve health and well-being for young people," the report states.

"The council recognises that no one organisation can do it alone."

The meeting is scheduled to be held at The Cube from 6pm.