Expanded services hub for young people opens in Brisbane: Minister

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr will today officially open the Brisbane North Service Centre.

Services for vulnerable young people on Brisbane’s north side, particularly those in contact with the youth justice system, will be better delivered from the new service centre in Bowen Hills.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the centre brought together Queensland’s Government youth justice programs under the one roof.

“Operated by the Department of Communities, the centre is purpose-designed, youth friendly and suitable for the delivery of a range of programs and services targeted to meet the needs of young people,” she said.

“This includes important youth justice services such as educational, cultural and rehabilitative programs, and the successful Youth Justice Conferencing.

“These aim to strengthen our capacity to help reduce youth offending and support young people so they stay out of the youth justice system.

“Youth Justice Conferencing, for example, has proven very effective with 98% of participants – including victims – reporting they are satisfied with the outcome of conferences.

“During the past 12 months, 480 Youth Justice Conference referrals have been received in the greater Brisbane region.”

Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace said the Brisbane North Service Centre was also now home to staff from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Youth and Family Support Services.

Ms Grace said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships staff had been working hard to implement a number of priorities the wages and savings Reparations, and the Council of Australian Governments ‘closing the gap’ reforms.

“They are also helping to improve housing, employment and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth,” she said.

“The co-location of this Office, Youth Justice Services and Youth and Family Support Services means that we can provide better services and better outcomes for young people and the wider.”

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3235 4280