The Tasmanian Government has released a tender for delivery of a remodelled young adult offenders program.
The program will be funded through our election commitment of $2 million over four years for a young offenders program.
An evaluation of the previous iteration of a young offenders program, U-Turn, found that there were a number of concerns with the operation of the program, including mixing youth and adult offenders.
Research has been undertaken by the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies at the University of Tasmania and a stakeholder forum was held to seek input, ideas and suggestions around the development of a revised intervention program.
The new program, Back on Track, will be a state-wide program aimed at moderate-high to high risk young adult offenders aged 18-25 who are new to the adult justice system and will address personal, social and developmental needs that will increase opportunities for rehabilitation.
It is anticipated that approximately 20 participants will be engaged at any time, with five in both the North and North West of the State and 10 in the South of the State.
The contract issued to the successful tenderer will be for a period of three years.
The Hodgman Liberal Government remains committed to implementing an effective suite of programs to work with young people and divert them from the criminal justice system, and has provided funding for a state-wide network of youth justice programs.
Vanessa Goodwin, Minister for Corrections
