More than 80,000 children annually experience the trauma and stress of having a parent in the Australian justice system.
Of these children, it is estimated that 70% go on to become juvenile offenders, and more than 85% of those who do will also become adult offenders.
TJILLARI Justice works with vulnerable families to support the psychological, social and educational needs of children with a parent in the justice system.
The organisation works to empower parents, carers, foster parents, grandparents, teachers and members of the community with proven, neurologically-based therapeutic approaches designed to break the cycle of intergenerational offending.
“Our aim is to advocate on behalf of children, to represent them and their perspectives, and to advise on policy development and the implementation of positive strategies to make a substantial difference for children at risk,” says Deb Evans, Founder of TJILLARI Justice.
The NSW Standing Committee on Law and Justice (1999) found that one of the most effective forms of crime prevention is social support. Early childhood intervention can develop children’s executive functioning skills. Education and counselling increases resilience, equips children with protective behaviours in the face of trauma and stress and lessens the risk of future involvement in crime.
“When vulnerable children and families are given strategies to build executive functioning skills and personal resilience, their outcomes improve and this benefits the children, their families and the community,” says Deb.
“Along with family dislocation, children often face social exclusion, economic and social change, poor housing, parental unemployment and addictive behaviours.
“A growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are separated from their families and placed in Out of Home Care, contributing to poorer outcomes and increased intergenerational offending,” adds Deb.
With support, children who might otherwise have followed an incarcerated parent’s path are diverted from patterns of behaviour that lead to offending.
To find out more about TJILLARI Justice Aboriginal Corporation and “The Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights” come and hear Deb Evans speak at the Festival of Ambitious Ideas on Thursday the 18th of August.
Deb is a graduate of the ACT Microcredit Loan Program. This program provides low interest and fee-free loans to eligible applicants who are interested in starting or are looking to expand an existing business. The program provides a range of services including workshops, one-on-one mentoring, peer support and opportunities to attend events such as peer-led group discussions and networking events. To find out more about the ACT Microcredit Loan program, please visit http://actmicrocredit.com.au/
About Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre
Lighthouse has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs, researchers and inventers on the path from concept to commercialisation. Since July 2008, Lighthouse has worked with over 990 distinct enterprises and provided group and peer based services to over 3400 enterprises and individuals. For over five years Lighthouse has successfully delivered business advice, education, mentorship and networking opportunities to help these businesses commercialise their ideas and grow their companies. Lighthouse also delivers programs such as the ACT Microcredit Program for the ACT Government. Visit www.lighthouseinnovation.com.au for more information.
