The Queensland Government’s first early intervention program for at-risk youth will be run out of the Lockyer Valley, south-west of Brisbane.
Premier David Crisafulli said Kokoda Youth Foundation would offer 12 months of support for youths aged 12-17 showing early signs of disengagement, antisocial or criminal behaviour.
Premier Crisafulli said the program would include three short-stay “resets” for each at-risk youth in the Ipswich-Darling Downs region, with mentoring and family engagement sessions to help them re-engage with education and the community.
“At a residential facility at Kokoda Park, they will receive 24/7 support and supervision, participate in activities to develop emotional, social, and physical skills, including cultural learning, mentoring, education, outdoor bootcamp-style personal development challenges and digital detoxes,” he said.
“The program will also include family engagement sessions and tailored support to help re-engage youth back into their community and divert them from crime.”
Premier Crisafulli said it was the first in a $50 million Regional Reset program which would be delivered at nine locations across the State.
“Regional Reset is an important part of our plan to prevent the next generation of hardcore repeat offenders and start to make Queensland safer,” he said.
“This is the reset that’s needed for young lives by giving them the tools they need to make better choices and stop the carousal of crime.”
Kokoda Youth Foundation Chief Executive Officer Angie Debnam said the program would help transform young lives by giving them the opportunity to build a positive future.
“Our program provides structure, support and a vital circuit-breaker for those at risk of entering the youth justice system, helping them build resilience, reconnect with community and reset their direction,” Ms Debnam said.
The program will be delivered in each of the following regions:
- Far North Queensland.
- North Queensland.
- Central Queensland (Rockhampton).
- Gold Coast-Logan.
- Ipswich-Darling Downs (Ipswich).
- Brisbane.
- Sunshine Coast.
- Wide Bay (Bundaberg).
- Western Queensland.
