In May 2024, QATSICPP was appointed as the Youth Justice Peak Body and is committed to driving evidence-based approaches to improve community safety and ensure that children and families have support and resources to achieve their full potential. We are achieving this by:
- Supporting the enhancement of community-led intervention and prevention strategies.
- Developing a workforce framework to strengthen the capability of the sector.
- Building strong and enduring partnerships with communities, organisations, state government, legal bodies and policymakers.
- Working closely with key partners and members to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the youth justice system.
We are pleased to announce expressions of interest are now open to establish a Youth Justice Sector Strategic Advisory Group (YJ SSAG). The purpose of this group is to unite strategic leaders and experts from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled and Non-Government Sectors to help shape safer communities for Queensland. We are confident that the direction and leadership from our YJ SSAG will assist us in creating positive outcomes for children, young people, and families.
The YJ SSAG will play a pivotal role in guiding the Peak in the following key areas:
- Connected Community Service Sector: The group will help guide the establishment of rigorous consultation processes that ensure a well-connected community service sector. Your participation will help us create a network that effectively engages with and responds to communities’ needs.
- Evidence-Informed Policy and Strategy Advice: The group will help to inform evidence-based policy and strategic advice. By working together, we can develop and advocate for effective policies and reform that reflect the realities faced by our communities and meet their needs.
- Strong Workforce with Enhanced Skills: The group will be committed to building a strong workforce that embeds culturally safe practices and processes. Your insights and experience will be crucial in enhancing our workforce’s skills and ensuring cultural safety is at the forefront of everything we do.
- Access to Data to Track Trends and Address Concerns: The group will focus on ensuring access to relevant data and information to track trends, identify emerging issues, address concerns immediately, and informs adequate and appropriate resourcing.
- Evidence-Based Approaches Across the Youth Justice Continuum: The YJ SSAG seeks to ensure program designs focus on holistic interventions to address underlying causes that contribute to offending behaviour and employ evidence-based approaches across the entire youth justice continuum. The group’s contributions will help us refine and implement strategies that have a real and lasting impact.
Participation requirements
Coming together will assist in driving meaningful change and reimagine the youth justice system in Queensland.
To participate, you will be required to commit to a blend of monthly virtual and face-to-face meetings. The Deputy CEO of Youth Justice, Mr Murray Benton, will chair these meetings, and the Youth Justice Peak will oversee administration support for them.
Members of the YJ SSAG will also be required to maintain confidentiality pertaining to matters discussed during meetings.
How to apply?
To apply we ask you to write no more than one (1) page and email this to communications@qatsicpp.com.au outlining why you would like to participate in YJ SSAG, and what skills you bring to supporting the work of the Youth Justice Peak against the below criteria.
- Cultural Capability and Understanding
- Youth Justice System and/or practice expertise
- Organisational Alignment with QATSICPP
- Your value add
- Relationship Building and Leadership
Applications are now open and will close on 14 February 2025. We will inform you of the outcome of your application as soon as practicable.
Get in touch
Don’t hesitate to contact Murray Benton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Youth Justice on 07 3102 4119 or murraybenton@qatsicpp.com.au if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you to make a difference in the lives of young people and keep our families and communities safe.
