First Nations organisations are welcome to submit their expression of interest to deliver a new ‘Intensive On Country’ trial program, for young First Nations Queensland engaged with the youth justice system.
Building upon foundations established by the current ‘On Country’ initiative, ‘Intensive On Country’ will include an intensive cultural and residential experience for longer periods of time, education and training opportunities, family support, and in home support.
The ‘On Country’ program boasts early data that young people who participated in the program are less likely to reoffend six months after the program completion, when compared with youth who did not participate.
This trend continued 12 months after the completion of the program, and with notable and significant improvements in behaviour, emotional regulation, effective communication, managing conflict, and family circumstances in youth participants.
Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer explained, “We are firmly committed to helping young people break the cycle of crime by giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around.
“This is why we are investing heavily in intervention and diversionary programs around the state that are proven to be effective in reducing offending.
“Our new initiative will build on from our current On Country program and provide a more intensive service to stop offending by helping young First Nations people to turn their lives.”
Uncle Eddie Smallwood of the Gudjuda Aboriginal Reference Group, based in Home Hill, admits that he had been approached by Governing bodies to facilitate the program in the Burdekin, however he is, “Still considering the implications of taking the program onboard.”
“It’s all well and good to say yes to the program, but you’ve got to consider if you have the right facilities for it,” Uncle Eddie explained.
“This program needs to run properly, or the kids will just reoffend.”
Uncle Eddie also explained that while this program is good, it does lack in some areas.
“We need to look at the parents and understand the home situation of the youth who are offending. A program which brings the parents and youth together would be great, but that can’t always happen,” Uncle Eddie said.
“A program like Earn & Learn is great to teach the youth to respect others, to respect the value of money and of property, but I also believe that such programs need to be delivered through the courts, with youth given the option to complete the program or spend a period of time is prison.”
Caption: Uncle Eddie Smallwood of the Gudjuda Aboriginal Reference Group
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