Queensland’s approach to youth justice is undergoing significant change, with the Crisafulli Government rolling out a suite of programs designed to intervene early, support at-risk young people, and reduce reoffending. Here’s a look at what’s being delivered — and the early results coming through.
Early Intervention: Catching Problems Before They Start
At the heart of the reforms is a $115 million Early Intervention package delivered over five years, split between:
- $50 million in Kickstarter Grants — funding innovative, community-led programs
- $65 million for Proven Initiatives — backing established programs with a track record of reducing offending
The 2026-27 Queensland Budget locks in a further $15 million per year to keep these programs running.
Toowoomba has already benefited from Kickstarter funding, with grants awarded to:
- Adapt Mentorship Indigenous Corporation – youth mentorship
- Downs Industry Schools Co-operation Inc – life skills and pathways into education, training or work
- Village Support Limited – sport, culture, career workshops, family forums and case management
- Momentum Mental Health Ltd – a 12-month mentoring and wellbeing program for at-risk young people and their families
Meanwhile, Everything Suarve has become the first provider funded under the new Proven Initiatives stream.
Regional Reset: Structure and Support When It’s Needed Most
A $50 million investment in Regional Reset is providing short-stay, live-in programs for young people aged 8–17 showing criminal or antisocial behaviour. The focus is on building life skills, repairing family relationships, and helping kids make better choices through structured mentoring.
Crime Prevention Schools: A Second Chance at Education
With $50 million over five years, the government is establishing four new or expanded Crime Prevention Schools for disengaged students in Years 7–12:
- Ipswich – Y Schools Queensland Futures Academy (opening 2027)
- Gold Coast – Men of Business Academy (already open)
- Townsville – Silver Lining Foundation, expanding into automotive, engineering, construction and rural operations training, with enrolments expected to open ahead of the 2027 school year
- Rockhampton – a provider to be announced, commencing 2027
Youth Justice Schools: Support for High-Risk Offenders
A $40 million investment will establish two new Youth Justice Schools in Logan and Cairns, offering specialised education, intensive supervision and hands-on learning for high-risk young offenders who’ve fallen out of mainstream schooling.
Staying on Track: Life After Detention
The largest single investment, $225 million, is going toward Staying on Track — a program offering up to 12 months of rehabilitation and reintegration support (including at least six months of intensive support) for young people leaving detention. It helps them reconnect with education, training, employment, family and community.
In Toowoomba, this program is delivered by Anglicare Southern Queensland and OzChild (partnering locally with Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement).
The Results So Far
Early data suggests these reforms are having an impact:
- Victim numbers statewide have fallen 9.6% (as at 30 June 2026) compared with Labor’s last full financial year
- Proven Adult Crime, Adult Time offences dropped 31% between 2023-24 and 2025-26
With more schools and programs still rolling out across regional Queensland, there’s reason to expect these numbers will continue to shift in the right direction.
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