Young offenders in Far North Queensland could find themselves in a new post-detention intensive rehabilitation program run by one of three organisations including the Douglas region’s Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.

Announced this week by the State Government Staying on Track will provide up to 12 months of rehabilitation for youths exiting detention, including at least six months’ intensive support to reintegrate them into the community and prevent them falling back into a cycle of crime.  

Namu Collective Ptd Ltd, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Shine for Kids will roll out the Staying on Track program in the Far North, following an extensive tender process.  

These programs use a network of mentors, family support, and community engagement to help youth strengthen life skills, build positive relationships, and reduce reoffending, laying the foundation for long term change.

The former Labor Government’s weak laws and fewer police created a Youth Crime Crisis, with 96 per cent of youth in detention reoffending within a year, says Premier David Crisafulli

Under the former Government, youth were given only 72 hours of support after detention, leading to skyrocketing reoffending rates. 

Mr Crisafulli said the Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised with stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation.

“We are delivering rehabilitation programs like Staying on Track that prevent youth from reoffending and restoring safety where you live,” Mr 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 reoffending.

“While we are seeing crime down and victim numbers down, there is much more to be done to make Queensland safer, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.” 

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government’s Staying on Track program would be a critical step in breaking the cycle of repeat youth offending in Queensland.    

“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,” Minister Gerber said.    

“Staying on Track is about preventing re-offending, reducing the number of victims of crime, and making Queensland a safer place.”  

Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation On Country Program Director Naomi Abel said the ongoing support offered by the Staying on Track program will assist youth as they leave detention.  

“Previously youth had 72-hour plans which weren’t long enough – now they will have dedicated staff who will mentor them while they’re in detention, and then that support will continue on the outside,” Ms Abel said.  

Member for Cook David Kempton said the Government was focused on driving down crime in the Far North.

“Police have been arresting dozens of serious repeat offenders through their major crime crackdown in the Far North, and now we have the Staying on Track program to help prevent them from reoffending again," Mr Kempton said.