In Canberra ten Indigenous families will participate in a justice trial in an effort to reduce the territory’s offending rates.
The 12-month trial will see the families work with social workers from a local Aboriginal Medical Service to design plans addressing health, education, housing and employment.
The program is the ACT’s first ‘justice reinvestment’ trial which redirects resources to reducing the causes of crime, and was designed in cooperation with Indigenous organisations.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service CEO and Wiradjiri woman Julie Tongs says she is optimistic about the future of the trial.
The trial’s results will be measured by its impact on health, stable accommodation, improved school learning outcomes and employment opportunities.
