2. Overview of the program and context within which it operates
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2.1 Overview of the program
CHAC has delivered the Youth Prevention and Diversion program, funded by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet since 2010-11. The purpose of the program is to provide ongoing intensive and targeted case management to Aboriginal youth (aged 12 to 24) at risk of offending or entering the criminal justice system by assisting them to return to school, engage in employment, make positive life choices and reduce recidivism.
Through improving social and employment outcomes and relationships with police and parents, participants are forecast to be less likely to offend and/or re-offend and reduce street crime, violence, anti-social behaviour and suicides within the community and improve community safety. CHAC also offer a wraparound service through their other programs like employment and health services which support the youth in the Youth Prevention and Diversion program.
2.2 Context
The program works with Aboriginal young people in Smithton and surrounding areas of Tasmania who have either been incarcerated in the past or are at risk of incarceration in the future. The young people that the program works with face a number of social and economic risk factors for offending, including substance abuse, family dysfunction (family violence, child abuse and neglect), time in foster care, intergenerational offending, lack of role models, poor relations with the police, isolation from services, homelessness and a lack of education and employment opportunities. Many of the young people in the program experience a combination of these factors in their lives.4
A lack of alternative support for these young people inhibits their ability to live healthy lives and develop strong identities. This leads to a range of issues for the young people and society including low levels of engagement in education and training, poor health outcomes, lack of self-worth, anti-social and offending behaviour and, ultimately, contact with the justice system.
The program services a rural location which exacerbates the disadvantage already experienced by the young people in the program. The program seeks to address this by offering a holistic approach to the support provided to the young people and collaborating with other service providers in the area.