Supporting Children with Disabilities in Queensland's Juvenile Justice System: Our Approach

In Queensland, working with young children in the juvenile justice system requires a sensitive and informed approach. These children often face complex layers of disadvantage, and for those with disabilities supported by NDIS plans, navigating the justice system can be even more daunting. At our allied health practice, our community-focused approach and evidence-based methodologies have allowed us to build trust and provide meaningful support to these children and their families.

Building Trust Through Community Engagement

Our team has a unique background working extensively within the community, which has proven invaluable in connecting with young children in the justice system. By collaborating with schools, families, community organisations, and justice stakeholders, we’ve fostered an environment of trust and understanding. This foundation is critical when working with children who may have experienced trauma, marginalisation, or systemic barriers.

Through consistent presence and authentic engagement, we’ve demonstrated to these young children that we are here to support them—not to judge. This trust empowers us to advocate effectively on their behalf and ensure their voices are heard in a system that can often overlook their individual needs.

Evidence-Based Practices at the Core

Our commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that the services we provide are grounded in proven methodologies. For young children with NDIS plans, this means tailored interventions that address their unique developmental, emotional, and social needs.

Key aspects of our approach include:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the impact of trauma on behaviour and development is essential in the justice context. Our interventions focus on creating safety, fostering resilience, and empowering young children to rebuild trust.

• Strengths-Based Approach: We work to identify and amplify each child’s strengths, helping them to build self-esteem and envision a positive future.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: By integrating the expertise of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and counsellors, we address the holistic needs of these young children. For instance, an occupational therapist might help a child develop self-regulation skills, while a speech pathologist addresses communication barriers that may contribute to misunderstandings in legal or educational settings.

Practical Tips for Supporting Young People with Disabilities in the Justice System

1. Listen Actively: Take the time to understand the child’s perspective and experiences without judgment.

2. Use Clear Communication: Simplify language and check for understanding, especially for children with communication challenges.

3. Build Relationships: Establish trust by being consistent and reliable in your interactions.

4. Involve Families: Engage families in planning and decision-making whenever possible.

5. Leverage Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborate with other professionals to provide comprehensive support.

6. Provide Education: Help children understand the justice process in an accessible way to reduce anxiety.

7. Advocate for Accommodations: Ensure that children receive the appropriate adjustments they need within the system.

8. Focus on Strengths: Highlight and build upon the child’s existing abilities and interests.

9. Address Trauma: Use trauma-informed strategies to create a sense of safety and stability.

10. Monitor Progress: Regularly review and adapt strategies to meet the child’s evolving needs.

Disability and Language Disorder Statistics in the Justice System

Statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted support for children with disabilities in the juvenile justice system:

- Language Disorders: Research indicates that up to 50% of children in the justice system have a clinically significant language disorder, which can impact their ability to understand legal proceedings and communicate effectively (Snow, 2019).

- Disability Prevalence: Studies show that approximately 30% of incarcerated children have a diagnosed disability, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and physical impairments (AIHW, 2020).

- Mental Health Challenges:Over 70% of young people in the justice system experience mental health conditions, often co-occurring with developmental or learning disabilities (Jesuit Social Services, 2018).

- Trauma Exposure: Many children in the justice system have experienced significant trauma, with rates of exposure exceeding 90% in some studies (Atkinson, 2013).

These figures underscore the importance of specialised interventions and advocacy to address the unique needs of these children.

Resources for Supporting Children in the Justice System

1. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS):** Provides tailored support for children with disabilities. Visit http://www.ndis.gov.au

2. Raising Children Network: Offers information on supporting children with additional needs. Visit http://www.raisingchildren.net.au

3. Jesuit Social Services: Focuses on justice and community reintegration programs. Visit http://www.jss.org.au

4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Publishes data and research on children in the justice system. Visit http://www.aihw.gov.au

5. Speech Pathology Australia: Resources on communication challenges. Visit http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

6. Beyond Blue:Mental health support services for young people. Visit http://www.beyondblue.org.au

7. Kids Helpline: Visit [www.kidshelpline.com.au]http://www.kidshelpline.com.au

8. Local Legal Aid Services: Offers assistance to children navigating the justice system. Contact your local Legal Aid office.

Making a Difference

The work we do with young children in the justice system is important to our team. It’s about changing lives. By building trust, employing evidence-based practices, and advocating tirelessly, we aim to break the cycle of disadvantage and give these children the tools they need to thrive.

If you or someone you know has a child with an NDIS plan involved in the justice system, reach out to our team. Together, we can create opportunities for growth, healing, and a brighter future.