An on country youth justice trial will soon begin in Queensland’s north-west, with the first tender announced today.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said local organisation Mithangkaya Nguli would deliver its new intensive on country youth justice program in the Mount Isa region.
Premier Miles said the diversionary youth intervention and rehabilitation program would build upon previous work done in this space.
He said the on country model focused on providing intensive cultural and residential experiences, family supports, education and training opportunities and connection to employment to young people who have had engagement with the youth justice system.
“It offers a period out of town and on country to help break the cycle of youth reoffending.
“It will provide young people an opportunity to reflect on their offending behaviour through targeted cultural interventions.”
Premier Miles said the program would also deliver a wider range of wraparound supports to young people and their families, to deal with mental and physical health, substance misuse and the relationship with social media.
“The program will start within weeks, with both the Department of Youth Justice and courts able to refer young offenders to take part.”
He said the Department of Youth Justice would continue to work with other organisations that expressed interest in providing on country programs to scope additional locations and future expansions.
