Goal 1.1

My voice is always heard, and my family and I are involved in decisions about me. 

Outcomes

  • 1.1.1 Aboriginal children and young people and families are involved in planning and decision making at every stage.
  • 1.1.2 Aboriginal children and young people have greater roles in leadership, governance and decision making.

What it means for the young person

  • My family and I are encouraged and supported to be involved in making plans and decisions.
  • My family and I are empowered to effect change and hold people and systems accountable.
  • I have trusted workers to support my family and I through processes when decisions are being made which affect me.
  • I am supported to take responsibility for my actions and restore any harm in my community and family.

What we will do in 2022-2032

  • Include families in planning and decision-making at every stage of their involvement with the justice system, including by giving families clear information about what to expect from Youth Justice, and what is expected from them. Oversight this work through the case management review panels.
  • Deliver a ‘trusted worker’ approach that identifies a trusted worker for every Aboriginal child and young person in Youth Justice so that they have a key role in youth justice case management and decision making.
  • Build the capacity for staff, including those in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, to act as ‘trusted workers’ through training. Support their role through the case management review panels.
  • Improve Aboriginal children and young people’s participation in Youth Justice processes, including in policy, practice and program design and implementation. We will do this by:
    • funding the Koorie Youth Council to develop a model for Aboriginal children and young people’s voice and participation in Youth Justice.
    • developing Aboriginal youth participation principles and implementing a training program for staff.
    • supporting engagement in existing youth leadership forums such as Koorie Youth Council, the Parkville Youth Leadership Council, and other regional forums.
  • Explore options to introduce new Aboriginal family group conferencing and more restorative approaches as part of the new Youth Justice Act.

Goal 1.2 

My strengths are recognised and built upon, and I am seen as a future leader.

Outcomes

  • 1.2.1 Aboriginal children and young people feel valued and respected.
  • 1.2.2 Aboriginal children and young people are provided with many opportunities to learn and grow

What it means for the young person

  • I am empowered to identify and build upon my strengths.
  • My time involved with Youth Justice programs and services will help me to gain the skillsets, knowledge, and supports I need to thrive.
  • I am seen as a future leader and can meet my cultural obligations and responsibilities.

What we will do in 2022-2032

  • Provide more strengths-based mentoring programs for Aboriginal children and young people in custody and community through Aboriginal organisations and Elders.
  • Engage Aboriginal leaders, Aboriginal community organisations and businesses to deliver leadership development opportunities for Aboriginal children and young people in community and in custody.
  • Boost educational opportunities and focus on engaging Aboriginal children and young people in education jointly with the Department of Education and Training by:
    • expanding educational and cultural support in custody through a secure internet platform.
    • embedding Aboriginal Leaders within the Parkville College staffing profile to support young people in custody, to learn about country and history, achieve academic milestones and create more culturally sensitive classrooms.
    • supporting entry and transition from custody through Parkville College Transitions Team and Youth Justice Education Pathway Coordinators.
  • Support Aboriginal children and young people to remain connected to education and training pathways when appearing before the Children’s Courts through the Education Justice Initiative.
  • Improve vocational learning support and living skills to Aboriginal children and young people to increase their employment prospects, including through introducing on country work arrangements in partnership with Traditional Owners.
  • Support Aboriginal children and young people’s participation in the custodial Sports Academy and help them participate in community support post release to harness their talents and strengths.
  • Create an evidence base about best practice including about strengths-based, and family-based models of support and care and create opportunities for ACCOs to share this practice.
  • Review and refresh Youth Justice training programs to reflect strengths-based approaches and integrate Aboriginal cultural rights and culturally appropriate practices into all aspects of Youth Justice induction and refresher training.