First youth boot camps get underway

The first group of young Territorians to participate in the Government’s new early intervention youth boot camp programs will tomorrow take their first steps towards getting their lives back on track, says Minister for Correctional Services John Elferink (pictured) in a media release.
 
“The camp signals the delivery of yet another Country Liberals election commitment and follows trial programs with multiple providers,” he says.
 
“Ten males aged 12 to 14 years from Alice Springs are the first individuals to be identified under the official program as being at-risk of on-going offending behaviour.
 
“The youths will spend 10 days in a remote wilderness environment around 300 kilometres south of Alice Springs and will be placed in both mentally and physically challenging situations to learn the benefits of positive decision-making and be accountable for their harmful and destructive behaviour.
 
“Participants will also be case managed for up to three months following the camp, with the program having a heavy focus on follow up support for the individual and their family.
 
“We want to get them engaged with learning, education and making positive plans for their own future.
 
“It is important to challenge people while they are young and before their offending behaviour lands them in the corrections system.
 
“Tangentyere Council and Operation Flinders were chosen as the successful organisations to deliver these life changing programs.
 
“Tangentyere will run its operation in Central Australia and Operation Flinders will run out of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia until they set up a permanent camp in the Territory next year.
 
“It is expected that 80 male and female youths will participate in an early intervention boot camp this year.
 
“The Northern Territory Government has allocated $2.2 million in funding in Budget 2014 to operate the youth boot camps.”