Wirkara Kulpa - Information for young people

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Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and pay our respects to ancestors of this country, Elders, knowledge holders and leaders – past, present, and emerging. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are steeped in culture and lore having existed within Australia continuously for some 65,000 years.

The meaning of Wirkara Kulpa 

Wirkara Kulpa (pronounced WEER-ghara GHOUL-par) means Alongside, next to talking/speaking in Barkindji/Paakantyi language.

This name was chosen by Aboriginal children and young people currently in the youth justice system.

“We wanted to talk about the young people talking and walking alongside one another and talking at the same time to Elders. Because that’s the only way they will be able to listen and listen to Elders; by walking alongside each other and talking together.”

Uncle Ivan Johnson and Uncle Peter Peterson

We offer our sincere thanks to Uncle Ivan Johnson and Uncle Peter Peterson who provided the name.

What is Wirkara Kulpa?

• It is the first Victorian Aboriginal youth justice strategy in Victoria.
• It aims to improve the youth justice system.
• It has the wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people at its heart.
• It is a roadmap to guide us on a 10-year journey together. 

What is its aim?

Aboriginal children and young people are not in the youth justice system.

This is because they are:

• strong in their culture,
• connected to families and communities, and 
• living, thriving culturally rich lives.

Why was it created?

• Too many Aboriginal children and young people end up in the youth justice system.
• Aboriginal families and communities know what causes this and what is needed to fix this.
• They are helping to drive the change to make the system more safe and helpful to Aboriginal children and young people. 

How did we get here? (Process of working together)

• Aboriginal community leaders working with Aboriginal children and young people have shared ideas and solutions to make it better.
• These are now set out in Wirkara Kulpa.
• These changes will keep Aboriginal children and young people strong and with their families and communities.

What will this mean for me?

(What Aboriginal children told us they want and need).

•  "First and foremost, I am treated like a child."
• "My complex needs are understood, and my path is healing me, not harming me."
• "I am supported to be strong in my Aboriginal identity and culture."
• "I am always connected to family and community."
• "I am seen as a future leader and my strengths are built upon."
• "I have the right supports at the right time and I am never left to walk alone."

What is happening now?

Some of the ideas and solutions in Wirkara Kulpa, to help Aboriginal children and young people are ready now, including:

• More Aboriginal workers to support Aboriginal young people to get back on track
• Cultural programs and services that strengthen connection to culture, family and community
• Cultural plans for Aboriginal children and young people
• More cautions and diversions to keep Aboriginal children and young people out of the system
• Balit Ngulu, the Aboriginal youth legal program through VALS, for culturally safe and responsive legal help
• More support when leaving custody to help settle back into community.

What is happening next?

Other changes still to come will include such things as:

• Aboriginal bail support and healing programs
• Help for Aboriginal children and young people at night and on weekends
• Aboriginal youth justice hubs, safe places for young people to access services
• Aboriginal children and young people will have a trusted worker to walk alongside them
• Help to keep Aboriginal children (10-13 years old) out of the system
• More learning, training, living skills and work opportunities
• More help for young people to stay mentally and emotionally strong

How can my voice be heard?

• We want Aboriginal children and young people to talk up and to have a say.
• The Koorie Youth Council is working with Aboriginal children and young people to find a way to have their voices heard.

To have your voice heard, speak to the Koorie Youth Council, contact (03) 9267 3707 or visit www.koorieyouthcouncil.org.au.

Where can I go to for further support?

For help and support, talk to your local Community-Based Aboriginal Youth Justice Worker.

Remember that if you need help, there is support out there

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