Mt Isa’s new rehabilitation program aiming to stop youth reoffending
A new state government program in Mt Isa aims to get young offenders back into work and education in a bid to stop them reoffending.
The State Government has invested $225 million in a Staying on Track initiative, a 12-month post-detention rehabilitation program.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the program aimed to break the cycle of repeat youth offending in Queensland.
“While we are delivering consequences for action under Adult Crime, Adult Time, we are also investing in effective rehabilitation programs to help break the cycle of crime and make Queensland safer,” Minister Gerber said.
“Our new Staying on Track program will provide intensive, tailored support to help youth offenders re-enter education, find employment, and build positive connections in their communities.”
The state government said the program included at least six months’ intensive support that aimed to reintegrate youth back into the community and prevent them from returning to a cycle of crime.
It said figures showed that as of September last year, 94 percent of youth offenders reoffended within the year.
Leading child rights organisation, 54 Reasons, was selected to deliver the program for Mt Isa after an extensive tender process.
54 Reasons State Director Rebecca Ketton said her team was committed to breaking the cycle of youth reoffending through the Staying on Track program.
“Our experience shows what works: services that understand trauma, build on young people’s strengths, and respect their cultural backgrounds,” she said.
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The Staying on Track program was designed to deliver tailored, high-intensity support from a network of mentors to every child leaving detention centres across Queensland. With family support and community engagement, the program was focused on strengthening life skills, building positive relationships and reducing the chance of reoffending.
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the Staying on Track program was expected to help break the cycle of crime and help restore safety across the region.
“We’re investing in Staying on Track to prevent another generation of serious repeat offenders and to give youth leaving detention the support they need to make a fresh start,” he said.
