Making connections during National Family Matters Week

Elders from Cairns, Yarrabah, Palm Island, Mackay and Townsville spent time at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre this week to strengthen connections with youth in detention during National Family Matters Week (15-21 May).

Minister for Youth Di Farmer said this year’s theme of Stronger families, Stronger communities gave young people in detention a chance to connect with family and a time to reflect on what family meant to them.

“The role family and community play in a young person’s life is significant in helping them make good choices and ultimately build better futures,” she said.

“For many of these young people, disconnection from family and community has contributed to their lives going off track.

“For some of them that disconnection has been incredibly traumatic and rebuilding those connections could help to reduce reoffending.”

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said families are our children’s first teachers and role models, and they came in all shapes and sizes.

“They are not just those who share your blood, it’s those you share your life with,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“However, we recognise making connections with families can sometimes be a challenge for young people in detention.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said helping families connect with a young person’s rehabilitation was a key recommendation from the Independent Review of Youth Detention Centres in Queensland.

Two of the 83 recommendations adopted by the Queensland Government related to the need to help families and communities connect with, and be part of, a young person’s rehabilitation.

“That’s why we have expanded the cultural unit at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre with cultural liaison officers, a cultural engagement officer, a case advisor and a cultural visits coordinator to help work with young people, their family and their community,” Mr harper said.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Youth Justice system held young offenders accountable for their actions, but also had a responsibility to provide them with better options.

“We are working hard to reduce the rates of reoffending so these young people can get their lives on track and the community is protected,” Mr Stewart said.

National Family Matters Week celebrates the vital role that families play in Australia society and is promoted as an opportunity for everyone to stop and think about the things our family does for us, and we do for them.

National Families Week is managed by Families Australia, a national, not-for-profit organisation.

To find out more visit www.nfw.org.au. 

ENDS

Media Contact:                                  Ron Goodman             0427 781 920