The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs’ program for skills and training for young offenders and at-risk youths has marked its first year in Toowoomba.
Toowoomba is one of 20 Queensland sites where the Transition to Success (T2S) program is in operation, providing alternative education and vocational training to prepare young offenders and at-risk teens for work.
Minister for Youth Justice, Leanne Linard said the Toowoomba’s T2S program kicked off in May last year, developing employability skills for at-risk youths.
“They’re now delivering their second T2S program with a range of partners including Toowoomba Police and Citizens Youth Club, local Indigenous artists, Queensland Fire Emergency Services and Carbal Medical Services,” Ms Linard said.
“I thank the many hard-working staff who have supported young people these past 12 months and I extend warm congratulations to the young people who are participating in this year’s program.”
Ms Linard said improving community safety took sustained work — not just by the Government, but by the community.
“What we see here is a partnership with business, community groups and organisations to generate positive change and to make this change enduring,” the Minister said.
“Everything we do in Youth Justice is about community safety and getting at-risk young people back into education, training, or work. We know that when young people access these pathways, they are far less likely to commit crime,” she said.
