Record number of Logan graduates benefit from youth justice program

Fifteen young people who are in the youth justice system in Logan City have graduated over the past 12 months from a Queensland Government program that successfully reduces reoffending.

The Transition to Success (T2S) program experienced its largest ever number of graduates in 2021, after a boost in funding enabled the initiative to be expanded to 20 locations across the state.

Minister for Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard says the program is going from strength to strength all across the state.

“T2S works well because it offers alternative education and vocational training to young people in the youth justice system and those at risk of entering it as a way of helping them build a brighter future.

 

“Many of the participants had dropped out of mainstream schooling for a variety of reasons, but with the help of dedicated youth justice staff, they’re working to leave their past behind.

 

“The program is also working closely with businesses, councils, schools, training organisations and community groups on the next phase, which is to help the young people into jobs, work experience, training, or further education.”

She says that the initiative focuses on giving young, troubled children the opportunity to build skills for the workforce

“The evidence shows that supporting young people to access education and employment pathways reduces offending, improves community safety, and this program is doing exactly that.”

In 2021, T2S participants completed a range of certificates across the state, including farm hand, horticulture, and construction courses.

A statewide evaluation of T2S found more than two-thirds of graduates did not offend within 12 months of completing the course.

Ms Linard says while T2S focuses on building skills for the workplace, it also helps young people develop important life skills.

“The participants are learning attributes such as punctuality, communication and teamwork.

 

“And where needed, they’re being connected to support services to help them with issues that could affect their capacity to stay in education or find work.

 

“This includes services that tackle drug and alcohol misuse or provide stable accommodation. This is particularly important as it is an opportunity to address some of the factors that can lead some young people to offend.”