Youth Off The Streets’ Post

“For over 30 years, Youth Off The Streets has provided early intervention, prevention, crisis and post crisis support to children and young people aged from 12, their families and their communities. “Our work has provided a significant evidence base to inform and improve our operational responses and systems analysis. Central to our evidence base are the voices of children and young people. Their stories and those of their families reflect the trauma, racism, disadvantage, barriers and injustices they have experienced throughout their lives. “Their stories reflect and highlight the failings of our systems, legislation, social policy and investment priorities. Yet, importantly, their stories also reflect their strengths and resilience and their openness to opportunities for change. “The six recommendations Youth Off The Streets detailed in our submission were based on this evidence and the broader academic sector evidence – evidence that clearly demonstrates the causative links between cultural heritage, socio-economic position and adverse childhood experiences to connection to the youth justice system. “Our systems and social structures view cultural heritage purely as a risk factor. As a result, we have missed significant opportunities to recognise and strengthen the protective factors that connection to culture and traditional practices provide. “Our systems and social structures place a higher value on punitive actions and consequences over recognising the collective intergenerational trauma that permeates many of our communities and the individuals within them. “If, as a society, we agree that no child is born inherently ‘bad’ or lawbreaking by nature, it is imperative that we examine and address the causative factors that act as catalysts to anti-social behaviours and connection to the justice system.” - Michelle Ackerman, Director of Youth Support Services, at the QLD Government Youth Justice Reform select committee hearing in February.