Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

Youth Justice acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and recognise their connection to land, wind, water and community. We pay our respect to Elders both past, present and emerging.

We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people need to be supported in a culturally appropriate way.

The Youth Justice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Unit gives guidance and advice to people, teams and projects across Youth Justice.

We support young people by:

• employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
• empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to be involved in the First Nations Action Board or First Nations Action Groups
• delivering cultural capability training to Youth Justice staff
• exploring alternative options on how to reduce over representation of young people in the youth justice system
• establishing cultural units in our youth detention centres
• creating culturally safe environments within Youth Justice, e.g. yarning circles, cultural gardens
• using family-led decision making
• providing a cultural lens over practice, policy, programs and procurement.

Working with community

We work with communities, Elders and respected persons to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in contact with the youth justice system or at risk of entering the youth justice system.

Elders make regular visits to young people in detention. They participate in culturally significant events such as NAIDOC Week and provide a cultural connection for young people.

We also work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander non-government organisations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, Legal Aid Queensland and Aboriginal community controlled organisations.

Youth Justice has been a lead partner in the development of the justice reinvestment project in Cherbourg.