Goal 2.1

My cultural rights are upheld, and I am strong in my culture and identity.

Outcomes

  • 2.1.1 Aboriginal children and young people are more connected to culture, family and community.
  • 2.1.2 Programs, services, spaces, and environments are culturally safe and responsive.

What it means for the young person

  • I can learn about my culture from my Elders, family, and community so I can be strong in my identity and connected to my community. This helps me to heal and grow.
  • My cultural identity is recognised, enhanced, and supported throughout my contact with the youth justice system.
  • I feel safe and assured that my contact with the youth justice system is culturally safe.
  • I can see my culture portrayed in a positive way throughout my contact with the youth justice system.

What we will do in 2022-2032

  • Integrate cultural support planning processes within case management so that:
    • every Aboriginal child and young person has a cultural support plan that strengthens their cultural identity and identifies support that best meet their cultural needs, and consider legislative options to require plans.
    • families and/or trusted workers are meaningfully involved in the development of the plan with the young person.
    • plans can be shared across relevant agencies with the young person’s consent.
  • Deliver a single cultural plan that can be shared by all agencies working with Aboriginal children and young people and ensure effective quality assurance and monitoring mechanisms are in place.
  • Ensure all Aboriginal children and young people have access to an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to respond to their cultural needs and proactively support family visits and communication support.
  • Establish dedicated Aboriginal positions in the Classification and Placement Unit to drive placement decisions for Aboriginal young people.
  • Provide access to cultural leave so that Aboriginal children and young people can meet their cultural responsibilities and obligations.
  • Support the work of the Children’s Court of Victoria to:
    • refresh the Children’s Koori Court and explore its further expansion in Victoria
    • explore establishing a ‘cross over list’ for Aboriginal young people involved in both the criminal and family divisions of the Court
    • embed Aboriginal self-determination principles and strengthen cultural overlays in all court-based programs and services including in the development of therapeutic justice and early intervention models in court contexts.
  • Provide dedicated spaces in Youth Justice custodial precincts to respond to the cultural needs of Aboriginal children and young people, including in any future redesign of Youth Justice custodial precincts.
  • Monitor cultural safety in health care delivery in Youth Justice to improve access to, and the quality of health care to Aboriginal young people.
  • Improve access to youth offending programs and make sure they are culturally appropriate and culturally competent.
  • Consider the provision of Aboriginal specific youth behavioural change/healthy relationships programs, that are culturally appropriate and delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Goal 2.2 

I am at all times connected to my family and community; they are an important part of me.

Outcomes

  • 2.2.1 Families are supported to address justice issues and minimise the effects of justice system involvement.

What it means for the young person

  • The youth justice system understands that families are part of the solution and at the heart of Aboriginal culture and community and are the foundation to my sense of identity and wellbeing.
  • My family and community is supported to walk alongside me and be part of my healing journey, because if my family is strong and safe, I am strong.
  • I am always connected to my family, kin, and community. There is always someone who can protect and guide me, including if I am in custody.

What we will do in 2022-2032

  • Explore on-country alternatives to remand and custody to keep Aboriginal children and young people close to their families and communities.
  • Keep families safely together by developing a new, Aboriginal led culturally safe family therapeutic alternative to MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) and provide access to Aboriginal children and young people in Youth Justice who are also parents.
  • Explore opportunities for an Aboriginal led model of Aboriginal family intensive case management and support for families involved in the youth justice system.
  • Provide more material and practical supports for families through brokerage funds.
  • Provide more housing options for Aboriginal children and young people that keep them connected to their family and community through the Kids Under Cover initiative.
  • Leverage targeted funding packages to provide needs-based supports for young people and their families.