PeakCare Queensland’s Post

⭐ Thanks, PeakCare Queensland for highlighting this important and illuminating research. ⭐ The lives of Queensland’s children living in out-of-home care are shaped by the profound impacts of early trauma, abuse, and neglect on their cognitive, social, and emotional development.   Up to 63% of Queensland's young people involved in the youth justice system are disengaged from education and many have experienced family violence and trauma.   Early intervention with the implementation of holistic, trauma-informed learning support can affect transformative change in the lives of children and young people living in out-of-home care.   Aligned with PeakCare Queensland's state election platform calling for evidence-based early intervention initiatives, we’re asking the Queensland Government to help fund and expand access for 4–8-year-olds to our Little Stars Learners program, a comprehensive, trauma-informed, trauma-responsive, relationship-based learning intervention for children living in out-of-home care.   Our evidence-based program helps to re-wire trauma-affected brains to prevent the ongoing impacts of trauma including involvement with the youth justice system, close development gaps, and stop the cycle of abuse. We do this by establishing a deep connection first, empowering the learners (and their carers) to feel seen, safe, heard, and valued - laying the groundwork for transformative learning experiences. Through a blend of fun, games, and flexibility, we foster a lifelong love for learning that helps to prevent   Our Little Stars Learners program not only transforms young lives but also delivers a high return on investment. For every $1 invested, $5.60 of social and economic value is created, benefiting children, carers, the education system, and the community at large, as confirmed by our recent Social Return on Investment Analysis completed by Lumenia.   📰 View the Lumenia report: https://lnkd.in/gd84VM52   📺 Watch our compelling new video that highlights our vital work at the Little Stars Foundation including our Little Stars Learners program here: https://lnkd.in/g7eyPmGy   🌠 Donate or become a corporate sponsor to help Queensland kids thrive: https://lnkd.in/gxGsXs34 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggCEa8bW ⭐  ⭐  ⭐     PeakCare Queensland Australian Institute of Criminology Griffith University Essential Tom Allsop #Queensland #PathwaysToPrevention #Child #Protection #Youth #Justice #Evidence #Research #Initiatives #Early #Intervention #Prevention #Election #Commitments #Platform #Community #Safety #ECEC #RightToEducation #Advocacy #YourPeak #Trauma

As graduation quickly approaches, I am eager to reflect on the profound insights and experiences from our capstone project. This endeavor, in collaboration with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), has greatly enhanced my understanding of the critical intersection between legislation, youth cognitive development, and the rehabilitative potential of the criminal justice system. Our capstone focused on the significant impact of California’s legislative reforms—SB 260, SB 261, and AB 1308—on youth parole. These laws mark a shift from a punitive system to one that is rehabilitative, offering young offenders a well-deserved second chance and paving the way for them to reintegrate into society successfully. Our research emphasized the broader societal benefits of these reforms, including reduced recidivism rates and strengthened community bonds. We delved into the essential role that youth cognitive development plays in legislative reform. By examining how these laws recognize the need to view young offenders as youth first, our findings underscored the necessity of more compassionate and effective policies. Working alongside dedicated teammates Leigh Conner, Isaiah Mendoza, Lareina Wang, Alex Yurcaba, and ARC's Associate Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Celina Chapin, we proposed policy enhancements aimed at improving California's approach to youth justice and explored possibilities for national implementation. These recommendations are designed to address immediate rehabilitation needs and to foster long-term societal benefits. This capstone project has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on how interdisciplinary approaches can inform and enhance public policy and human services. As I transition into my professional career, I am enthusiastic about applying these valuable lessons across various fields, advocating for policies that are grounded in scientific understanding and aimed at comprehensive community welfare. I am deeply grateful for the support from my teammates, ARC, Professor Kalima Johnson, and NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, all of whom have contributed significantly to this journey. The road ahead is filled with opportunities to integrate these critical insights into broader professional pursuits. #PublicService #YouthJustice #Advocacy #NYUWagner

The Child First Strategy Implementation Project is a useful read for those working in youth justice It looks at the challenges to implementing #ChildFirst through consultations with key stakeholders in youth justice. Read the report! 📝 https://lnkd.in/edanDpT5

🚨 Blog Alert: Check out our latest blog on supporting youth impacted by the justice system! Positive youth development is critical in all approaches to supporting youth, particularly our most vulnerable populations! Forum for Youth Investment https://lnkd.in/g86_NcM7

I recently watched the Child First Self-Assessment Toolkit launched by the Youth Justice Board. It is worth watching and undertaking the self-assessment. The Youth Justice Board should be celebrated for its commitment to improving engagement and outcomes for children and young people. The four tenets of the Child First approach align with the philosophy of social inclusion and diversion from the justice system. However, discussions around a Child First approach through a youth justice lens also provide an opportunity to reflect on England's and Wales’s approach to children and young people and justice. It invites us to recognise that England's and Wales's criminal age of responsibility poses significant limitations to implementing Child First to youth justice. The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is ten, one of the lowest compared to other democratic nations globally. The low age of criminal responsibility also contrasts with research findings on adolescent development (see Steinberg, 2009). Furthermore, the punitive approach adopted contrasts with the UN's recommendation, which advocates for an age no lower than fourteen. Therefore, while England and Wales remain a global outlier regarding the minimum age of criminal responsibility and continue to oppose research and the UN's recommendations, it raises the question of whether we can honestly accept that our approach to youth justice places the child first.  (Link to the launch of the Child First Self-Assessment Toolkit https://lnkd.in/g98ckndy ) Please DM me for a PDF version of Steinberg (2009). #YouthJustice #ChildFirstApproach #YouthDevelopment

📚 Did You Know? The Educational Journey of Female Adolescents Who Have Experienced Trafficking📚 Education can be both a challenge and a lifeline for adolescent trafficking survivors. Our latest research from the Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training highlights key insights into their educational experiences: 🏫 Negative School Experiences – Many survivors describe school as an environment where they felt unwelcome or targeted. 🤝 Need for Educational Support – There’s a pressing need for additional support services, including behavioral interventions, emotion regulation, and specialized instruction. 🎯 Educational Goals – Survivors often set educational and financial goals to build a brighter future, but they face obstacles on this path. 🌟 Overall Success – Success is defined not only by academic achievement but also by stability, security, and emotional well-being. Read the new journal article here: https://lnkd.in/eyUC5NKx Let's work together to create a supportive educational environment for all! 💪 #HumanTraffickingAwareness #EducationMatters #SupportSurvivors #SouthernMiss The University of Southern Mississippi Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi National Center for Missing & Exploited Children HEAL Trafficking Mississippi Coalition Against Human Trafficking Mississippi Human Trafficking Council Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force Stop Trafficking Louisiana Polaris U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The Children's Foundation of Mississippi College of Education & Human Sciences at Southern Miss Shared Hope International

As an educator with 17 years of experience, I have noticed a concerning trend: jobs that serve "high risk" students, including alternative education, adjudicated youth, and adult education, are not compensated well. This lack of appreciation and respect for those in these areas is disheartening. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for all individuals to succeed. Yet, those who serve the most vulnerable members of our society are often overlooked and undervalued. It begs the question: why aren't we prioritizing education for those on government assistance? We need to start recognizing the importance of education in creating a better future for all. How do we as average citizens change this? #education #inequality #socialjustice #opportunities #teaching #advocacy

What Texas Governor must to alleviate pains and sufferings of 60% majority Texans To address the challenges faced by the 60% minority population in Texas, implementing targeted policies is crucial. Here are some key steps that could be taken: 1. **Economic Development and Job Creation** - Support Minority-Owned Businesses by expanding grants, loans, and support services. - Invest in Workforce Development through job training programs accessible to minorities. - Advocate for Living Wage Initiatives, especially in industries with a high concentration of minority workers. 2. **Education** - Increase Funding for Public Schools in districts with a high percentage of minority students. - Expand Access to Higher Education by increasing scholarships and financial aid opportunities. - Promote Culturally Responsive Curriculum to reflect the state's diverse population. 3. **Healthcare Access** - Expand Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals, many of whom are minorities. - Improve Access to Health Services by funding community health centers and mobile clinics. - Implement Health Disparities programs to reduce chronic conditions among minority populations. 4. **Criminal Justice Reform** - Reduce Racial Disparities in Policing and Sentencing through policy reforms. - Support Reentry Programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, focusing on minorities. - Promote Community Policing to build trust between law enforcement and minority communities. 5. **Voting Rights** - Protect and Expand Voting Rights for all eligible voters, including minorities. - Combat Voter Suppression by opposing laws that disproportionately affect minority voters. Addressing these key areas can help alleviate the challenges faced by minority populations and promote inclusivity and equality in Texas. #Texas #MinorityRights #DiversityandInclusion #SocialJustice

🚨 Attention professionals working with young people in the justice system!🚨 Dr. Sanne Oostermeijer's new book chapter dives deep into the relationship between  community-based youth justice models and positive adolescent development. Explore the transformative power of 'good practice' built environment characteristics. Uncover how some jurisdictions are successfully keeping kids connected to their families, communities, and society. Don't miss this valuable resource! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gv3GGHKt #YouthJustice #PositiveDevelopment 

When attitudes and opinions like this are still circulating in society, we realise just how much more work there is to reach a better understanding, a greater awareness of needs, and more positive actions to ensure SEN children receive the support they DESERVE to access equal and inclusive learning. This is why we must keep conversations going and speak up for those who cannot. #SEND #EqualEducation #InclusiveEducation #AssistiveTechnology #VoicesForChange