Barambah Bira (South Burnett Youth Justice)
The Barambah Bira (South Burnett Youth Justice) program consists of our Young Offenders Support Service (YOSS) and Bail Support Program. Service delivery is based on evidence and lived experience that early intervention and maintenance of community and cultural connections is crucial in helping young people and their families recover from intergenerational trauma.
The purpose of the program is to assist young people and their families in addressing the factors that contribute to the young person’s offending behaviour in a case management framework that is culturally safe and collaborative.
The Barambah Bira program aims to collaborate with individuals, families, community members and stakeholders to identify strengths that can be promoted and difficulties that need to be overcome to support their storyline that is positive for themselves, their family and community and their own culture. The aim is to decrease young people’s offending behaviours and recidivism rates.
Who do we support?
Youth Outreach Support Service (YOSS) Storylines
The YOSS Storylines program provides support to young people aged 8 to 17 years and their families living in the Cherbourg Local Government Area. Referrals are primarily received from the local Youth Justice Service Centre. Referrals can also come from Queensland Police Service, local schools and self-referrals.
Eligibility includes:
- Young people involved, or at risk of involvement, in the Youth Justice system, aged 10 to 17 years
- Young people aged 8 to 9 years who are evidencing anti-social behaviour and/or exhibit behaviour that may lead to involvement with the Youth Justice system at age 10; and/or have siblings or family members in contact with the youth justice system
Bail Support Program
The Bail Support Program provides support to young people aged 10 to 17 years residing within the Cherbourg Youth Justice Service Centre catchment. Referrals are primarily received from the local Youth Justice Service Centre. Referrals can also come from Queensland Police Service, legal representatives, youth detention centres and self-referrals.
Eligibility includes young people who:
- Are involved in the Youth Justice system
- Are appearing in court on offences and are at risk of being remanded in custody
- Have been granted bail and require support to meet the conditions of bail
- Service delivery may include the family of the young person, the young person’s peers and significant community members
Our 'Why'
The Team finds meaning in their work through addressing disadvantages, correcting social injustices, and supporting young people to have positive and joyful experiences that allow for healing from trauma.
While the program supports all young people and families in need within the Cherbourg area, the program primarily supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are over-represented within the youth justice system and the long-term negative impact of extended and repeated engagement in the youth justice system. The team understands the disruption of attachment and connection with family, community, and culture.
The team helps young people increase their sense of self-worth, feel pride in their community and experience what it’s like to be part of a community that expresses pride in their younger members. This sits at the core of the program’s mission.
Contact the team today!
Mercy Community’s counselling services align with, and promote, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
Not sure what service you’re looking for?
Contact us today to discuss your situation and we’ll direct you to a service that best suits your needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
