QUEENSLAND is delivering three new post-detention intensive rehabilitation programs for young offenders, in a key initiative to help make the state safer.

Staying on Track offers up to 12 months of rehabilitation for youths exiting detention, including at least six months’ intensive support to reintegrate them into the community and prevent them falling back into a cycle of crime.

Fearless Towards Success in Ipswich will deliver tailored, wrap-around support to address the complex needs of youth offenders, from housing, health, and education, to employment, cultural connection and emotional wellbeing.

Anglicare Southern Queensland will provide a three-phase approach aimed at supporting youth transitioning from detention back into the community.

The model focuses on community reintegration, offering post-release support including mentoring and case management.

Village Support Limited’s service model is based on the African Village Model, incorporating socio-cultural nuances to support African youth through activities such as skills development, fitness, and education.

The programs use a network of mentors, family support, and community engagement to help youth strengthen life skills, build positive relationships, and reduce reoffending, laying the foundation for long term change.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the programs will be rolled out this year.

“We are delivering rehabilitation programs like Staying on Track that prevent youth from reoffending and restoring safety where you live,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Not only is Adult Crime, Adult Time delivering consequences for action, but we’re also investing in early intervention and rehabilitation to help stop repeat crime and make Queensland safer.

“This is rehabilitation that will start during detention and continue for a year after, to prevent them reoffending.

“While we are seeing crime down and victim numbers down, there is much more to be done to make Queensland safer, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber, said the Staying on Track program will be a critical step in breaking the cycle of repeat youth offending in Queensland.

“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,” Ms Gerber said.

“Staying on Track is about preventing re-offending, reducing the number of victims of crime, and making Queensland a safer place.”

Fearless Towards Success founder Selena Walters said Staying on Track was key to supporting youth leaving detention and helping them turn their lives around.

“Rehabilitation is critical to make sure young people don’t continue to make bad choices, which is why this program is so important because it will offer up to 12-months of support, when previously these kids might have only had a 72-hour plan,” Ms Walters said.

Anglicare Southern Queensland Group manager, Tahnee Ledgewood, said the program will support youth transitioning back into the community.

“Staying on Track will give youth the tools, guidance and support they need to build a better future and stay on the right path after detention,” she said.

Village Support Limited Managing Director Beny Bol said their service model would help youth reintegrate and rebuild their lives after detention.

“Staying on Track is about accountability, cultural strength and making sure young people return to society ready to lead, not reoffend,” Mr Bol said.

For more information on the Staying on Track program, visit Staying on Track: Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support.