Preventing youth from reoffending, and restoring public safety, are the primary goals of the Staying on Track policy, Premier David Crisafulli (above) says. Photo: David Crisafulli MP, Facebook.
The Crisafulli Queensland Government is creating three post-detention intensive rehabilitation centres for youth offenders in an effort to reduce youth crime and deliver on its promise to make the state safer.
Staying on Track offers up to 12 months of rehabilitation for youths leaving the detention system. The program includes six months’ intensive support to reintegrate them into the community and prevent them from entering the cycle of recidivism.
One such institution, Fearless Towards Success in Ipswich, delivers tailored support to address the complex needs of young offenders, helping in areas including housing, education, employment, health, cultural connection and emotional wellbeing.
Anglicare Southern Queensland will also provide a three-phase approach to support young people leaving detention and re-entering the community. The focus is on reintegration, with post-release support including mentoring and case management.
“We are delivering rehabilitation programs like Staying on Track that prevent youth from reoffending and restoring safety where you live,” Premier David Crisafulli said.
“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.
“This is rehabilitation that will start during detention and continue for a year after, to prevent them from reoffending.”
Village Support Limited’s service model is based on the “African village” approach, which involves taking into account socio-cultural nuances to support African youth through skills development, education and fitness.
Each of the programs uses a network of support from mentors, family and community to strengthen life skills, reduce reoffending, lay positive foundations and build good relationships.
The government said its predecessor’s “weak laws” had led to a 96 per cent youth recidivism rate, partially due to youth receiving only 72 hours of support after leaving detention.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said: “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.
“The former Labor government failed to invest in effective rehabilitation, which created a generation of serious repeat offenders.
“Staying on Track is about preventing reoffending, reducing the number of victims of crime, and making Queensland a safer place.”
