A new model of care that will improve outcomes for children and young people in the youth justice system has been launched by the Tasmanian Government.
The Youth Justice Model of Care sets out a contemporary, consistent and collaborative approach for government, non-government and Aboriginal service providers.
It aligns with a number of Commission of Inquiry recommendations and the Youth Justice Blueprint 2024 – 2034.
Minister for Children and Young People, Roger Jaensch, said the model of care provides the framework for therapeutic, trauma-informed, timely and culturally safe service delivery to reduce children and young people’s involvement in the youth justice system.
“The model focuses on children and young people’s needs and rights, outlines the responsibilities and commitments, ways of working, and the outcomes and support needed for organisations and their workforce, all in line with child-safe principles,” Minister Jaensch said.
“To achieve positive results for young people, services must work together in a shared and collaborative way.”
This model aims to address the unmet needs of children and young people and the drivers of offending, improve their social connectedness and engagement with education and employment, along with health and wellbeing support.
The Youth Justice Model of Care is part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future to support at-risk young people. It will apply across all services in the youth justice system, including diversion, police, courts, and community, and custodial supervision.
The model will be supported by a range of initiatives including the release of a Youth Justice Diversionary Services Framework, followed by the implementation of a range of early intervention, prevention and diversion programs and options.
Finalising and commencing the model of care is the first action in the Youth Justice Reform Taskforce Action Plan 2024 – 2025 for the Youth Justice Reform Taskforce to progress over the next 12 months.
The Youth Justice Model of Care can be viewed at the Keeping Children Safe website.
