- The Crisafulli Government delivers $40 million for two new Youth Justice Schools to put kids back on track and away from a life of crime.
- School program will focus on crime diversion for high risk teenagers on Youth Justice orders including community service, police cautions, diversions or bail.
- Ohana for Youth will deliver the schools in Logan and Cairns.
- Schools are one of several new youth crime fighting programs delivered under the Budget to arrest Labor's Youth Crime Crisis.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering safety where you live with two new Youth Justice Schools to divert young people away from crime and put them back on the right path.
A new $40 million investment will go towards establishing two new Youth Justice Schools in Logan and Cairns.
The announcement is part of the Crisafulli Government's record $560 million investment in new early intervention and rehabilitation programs to arrest Labor's Youth Crime Crisis and restore safety to communities.
Ohana for Youth, which already runs the successful Arcadia College and Ohana College, will deliver the new schools for high-risk teenagers aged 12 to 17 years old, who are on youth justice orders including community service orders, police cautions, diversions or bail.
The Youth Justice 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 be subjected to intensive supervision, 5 days a week and undertake a project-based curriculum with specialist teachers, and extracurricular activities.
Schools are expected to take referrals and commence enrolments in 2026, subject to national accreditation approvals.
Premier David Crisafulli said delivering the Youth Justice Schools was a major step towards turning the tide on youth crime.
"These Youth Justice Schools will help divert young people away from taking a wrong path, before they become hardened criminals," Premier Crisafulli said.
"They will teach young people that every action has a consequence, while providing guidance, support and discipline to get them back on the right path.
"Early intervention programs are critical to breaking the cycle of crime, and we won't stop until there are fewer victims in Queensland."
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Budget delivers the foundation for the fresh start promised at the election by investing in Youth Justice Schools to turn youth away from a life of crime and restore safety where you live.
"The Youth Justice Schools will help turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis and prevent the next generation of repeat youth offenders," Minister Gerber said.
"Under Labor, there was no targeted support for kids on youth justice orders to get them back into education, and away from crime.
"These schools will provide high-risk youth with the discipline, support, education and structure to get them on a path towards a brighter future."
Aaron Devine, founder of Ohana for Youth, said he looks forward to getting the Youth Justice Schools up-and-running.
"Ohana for Youth is committed to empowering young people with the skills to achieve success so they can become productive, compassionate and engaged participants in their communities," Mr Devine said.
"With this funding we can deliver two new schools that will allow us to help more young people and set them on a better path."
