The Staying on Track program will provide youth offenders with dedicated staff to mentor them while they’re in detention and continue to support them on the outside. Photo: File.
A new post-detention intensive rehabilitation program for youth offenders in Far North Queensland is designed to break the crime cycle, according to the Queensland Government.
After what it called an extensive tender process, the government selected Namu Collective Ptd Ltd, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Shine for Kids to roll out the Staying on Track program in the Far North.
The program offers up to 12 months of rehabilitation for youths exiting detention, including at least six months of intensive support to reintegrate them into the community and prevent them falling back into a cycle of crime.
To lay the foundation for long-term change, it will use a network of mentors, family support and community engagement to help youth strengthen life skills, build positive relationships and reduce reoffending.
Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation On Country program director Naomi Abel said the ongoing support offered by the program would help youths as they left detention.
“Previously, youth had 72-hour plans which weren’t long enough – now they will have dedicated staff who will mentor them while they’re in detention and then that support will continue on the outside,” Ms Abel said.
Shine for Kids national practice manager Moana Wati said she was excited to see the rollout in Queensland.
“We believe this program is going to be a great, positive influence on youth and their families when they leave detention,” Ms Wati said.
“A similar Shine for Kids program run in NSW has seen some great results.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Staying on Track program would be a critical step in breaking the cycle of repeat youth offending in Queensland.
“The best way to stop youth offenders from continuing to offend is to invest in effective rehabilitation and Staying on Track is designed to give youth leaving detention the support they need to make a fresh start,” Ms Gerber said.
“Staying on Track is about preventing reoffending, reducing the number of victims of crime, and making Queensland a safer place.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the government was focused on driving down crime in the Far North.
“Police have been arresting dozens of serious repeat offenders through their major crime crackdown in the Far North and now we have the Staying on Track program to help prevent them from reoffending again,” Mr Kempton said.
Premier David Crisafulli said rehabilitation programs such as Staying on Track would help prevent youth from reoffending and restore safety.
“Not only is ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ delivering consequences for action, but we’re also investing in early intervention and rehabilitation to help stop repeat crime and make Queensland safer,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“This is rehabilitation that will start during detention and continue for a year after to prevent them reoffending.
“While we are seeing crime down and victim numbers down, there is much more to be done to make Queensland safer and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”
Find more information about the program at the Staying on Track | Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support website.
