The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs has announced the trial of a new program aimed at helping at-risk young people break the cycle of violence.
The Program, K.I.N.D., is being run in partnership with Children’s Health Queensland’s Forensic Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) and Brisbane Youth Service (BYS).
K.I.N.D. stands for Kinship, Improving relationships, No violence and Developing skills.
Minister for Youth Justice, Leanne Linard said young people would be supported to participate in the K.I.N.D. trial.
“The goal of the Program is to reduce the use of violence in the lives of young people and help them create safe and respectful relationships,” Ms Linard said.
“Supporting young people to make better decisions and keep themselves and their families safe is critical to getting their lives back on track,” she said.
Ms Linard said the K.I.N.D. trial, developed by South Australia’s Youth Justice Department, was now enrolling its first clients in Queensland.
“The Program includes nine modules for the young person, six modules for the young person’s partner or family, and three modules attended jointly,” she said.
“The skills-based Program will take between three and six months to complete.
“By involving partners and family members, we build everyone’s skills to deal with problems and find new ways to manage their anger.
“It also helps the young person to be accountable for their actions and help everyone feel safe.”
The Minister said Youth Justice Service Centres would refer clients to the Program and manage the cases, and Forensic CYMHS clinicians would deliver the Program.
“The Program is currently being offered at BYS and will also be offered at Brisbane South and Ipswich Youth Justice Centres,” she said.
“It will then be extended to other regional locations.
“The trial will finish in December 2023 and will be evaluated by Griffith University,” Ms Linard said.
