The Queensland Government has announced the new Youth Justice School ‘Ohana Academy’ will be located in the Cairns CBD.
The Academy is one of two new Youth Justice Schools delivered by Ohana for Youth, as part of a $40 million investment to establish specialised schools that divert youth from crime.
The second site will be located in Logan Central, with schools designed to support high-risk teenagers (aged 12-17) who are on youth justice orders, including community service orders, police cautions, diversions or bail.
The schools will deliver highly specialised behavioural reform with individual case management, mentoring, family support and parental coaching to help re-engage youth with education, employment and the community.
Students will study a project-based curriculum with specialist teachers and extracurricular activities, with intensive supervision for up to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.
The Cairns Youth Justice School is expected to take referrals and commence enrolments in the second half of this year, subject to national accreditation approvals.
“These schools will help keep high-risk teenagers off our streets and out of trouble and put them on the right track by giving them the support and education they need to turn their lives around,” said Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber (pictured).
“We know education disengagement is a key driver of youth crime, if we can get more kids staying in school, we can drive down reoffending and have fewer youth offenders and victims of crime in the Far North.”
Founder of Ohana for Youth, Aaron Devine said Ohana Academy Cairns will provide an opportunity for young people to belong, grow and thrive.
“This school will provide an environment for young people to re-engage and reconnect with education,” Mr Devine said.
“By building accountability, resilience, and capability we empower young people to take responsibility for their journey and realise what’s possible in their future.”
