A new short-stay, early-intervention camp aimed at combating youth crime is set to launch on the Sunshine Coast.
It’s part of the state government’s $50m Regional Reset program, which will operate in nine locations across Queensland, including a camp at Doonan.
The Ted Noffs foundation will deliver the program, which will provide up to 15-weeks of support for at-risk youth aged 8-17 who are showing early signs of disengagement, antisocial or criminal behaviour.
Participants will take part in an intensive one to three week ‘reset’ at the live-in facility in Doonan, where they will receive 24/7 support and supervision, with the option of a parent or guardian joining the camp.
During the camp, youths will take part in a range of activities to develop their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing including life and employment skills training, mentoring, education, family counselling sessions, cultural engagement and sporting activities.
After the camp, youths and their families will receive up to six-weeks of follow-up support to help embed positive behaviours.
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CEO of the Ted Noffs Foundation, Matt Noffs, said the organisation had a proven track record when it came to reducing youth crime in the community.
“Our focus on consequences, structure and treatment creates a constructive pathway to turn young lives around,” he said
“The Doonan Regional Reset is our latest program in a long history of reducing youth crime in community.”
The Queensland Government said the program formed part of its broader youth justice strategy, which includes legislative changes, additional policing and rehabilitation measures aimed at reducing youth crime.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said early intervention programs were crucial to making the Sunshine Coast region safer.
“We need to intervene early to give young people the best chance in life and help them find a path toward education, vocation or a job, rather than a life of crime,” she said.
