In a Queensland first, the LNP has announced two Youth Justice schools in a $40 million to push to divert young offenders from crime and restore safety where you live.
The specialist schools will exclusively work with high-risk teen offenders on Youth Justice orders, including community service orders, police cautions, diversions or bail, minimising the risk of reoffending while serving their orders.
The schools will deliver highly specialised behavioural reform with individual dedicated case management, one-on-one mentoring, family support and parental coaching, to provide wraparound support that leads to long-term change.
Ohana for Youth, which already runs the successful Arcadia College and Ohana College, will deliver the first two Youth Justice Schools, one in South-East Queensland and one in North Queensland. If successful, the LNP will open up the program to additional operators for more schools across the State.
Experts suggest if youth can be prevented from further offending while on youth justice orders, there is a greater opportunity to divert them from becoming serious repeat offenders.
Each year there are 4,587 community-based orders handed down and, under Labor, the number of serious repeat offenders has increased from 442 to 736 kids since 2015, with most serious repeat offenders committing an average of 34 offences.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said the LNP’s Youth Justice Schools would help divert young lives away from crime and stop them becoming serious repeat offenders, which was putting Queenslanders at risk.
“The LNP’s Youth Justice Schools will mean fewer serious repeat offenders and fewer victims of crime across our State, by diverting young people away from crime and getting them back on track,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“With personalised support both for the teens and their family, we can shepherd these kids to a better future, away from crime, while also making our community safer.
“These children need discipline, support, education, and structure, which is exactly what the LNP will provide through the Youth Justice Schools.”
Shadow Minister For Youth Justice Laura Gerber said the Youth Justice Schools were part of the LNP’s plan to end Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.
“We must end Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis by diverting youth offenders early and stopping the slide into crime that’s putting our communities at risk,” Ms Gerber said.
“Currently, Queensland has no dedicated Youth Justice education facilities, where kids can get the support they need, before they become hardened by repeat criminal activity.
“Without these Youth Justice Schools, teens have less chance of getting the education needed to hold down future jobs and be productive members of the community.
“Under the LNP that will change, we have a plan to divert young offenders to stop Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and restore safety where you live.
“Only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future, including Making our Community Safer.”
