Constable Care Foundation’s Youth Choices Intensives program helps detainees think critically about offending
Originally posted on the Government of Western Australia website
Young people in Banksia Hill Detention Centre’s ‘self-care’ unit have taken part in a Youth Choices program run by Constable Care.
Under the guidance of Matt Stewart and his team, the boys wrote a script highlighting issues that were important to them.
They were given cameras and props to film, produce and star in their own short video.
“We’ve been out to Banksia Hill a number of times, and worked with different groups of young people,” said Matt.
“We work with them to address themes like violence, revenge and recidivism through their short films.”
“When the film is completed, we all sit down and watch it together, which opens up a forum for the boys to think critically about their past behaviours and hopefully gives them an opportunity to reflect on their own situations.”
Programs, run by contracted service providers in collaboration with Corrective Services staff, are an important part of the rehabilitative journey for young people in detention.
In addition to more traditional education, the young people can participate in this and other similar workshops and training to help prepare them to reintegrate with the community.
Other opportunities include music and hip-hop classes to improve literacy, DFES Emergency Services training which provide life-saving first aid skills and Noongar Language programs to connect them to Aboriginal Culture and Country.
