The Crisafulli Government has announced three new Staying on Track youth offender rehabilitation programs in Far North Queensland, delivering on its election commitment to restore community safety.
This initiative forms part of the Government’s $225 million investment in intensive rehabilitation programs designed to reduce youth reoffending and provide a fresh start for young people exiting detention.
The Staying on Track program offers up to 12 months of rehabilitation support, including at least six months of intensive mentoring to help reintegrate young offenders into the community. Unlike the former system, where youth were given only 72 hours of post-release support, this new approach provides continuity of care during and after detention.
By focusing on rehabilitation, mentoring, family support, and community engagement, the program aims to build positive relationships, strengthen life skills, and reduce the cycle of reoffending.
Following an extensive tender process, the program will be operated by:
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Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation
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Namu Collective Pty Ltd
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Shine for Kids
Previously youth had 72-hour plans which weren’t long enough – now they will have dedicated staff who will mentor them while they’re in detention, and then that support will continue on the outside. This program is promoting a cultural foundation and providing youth with the skills and capacity, along with their families, to develop and grow.
This initiative represents a clear break from the past, where reoffending rates remained stubbornly high. Under the former system, 96% of youth in detention reoffended within a year. The best way to stop youth offenders from continuing to offend is to invest in effective rehabilitation, and Staying on Track is designed to give youth leaving detention the support they need to make a fresh start.
Young offenders in our community were leaving detention without help or guidance to make better life choices, but the Staying on Track program will give them extended support to help prevent reoffending.
The Staying on Track program represents a new era in youth justice for Queensland, balancing strong laws and accountability with early intervention and rehabilitation.
For more information, visit: Staying on Track | Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support
