From Harm to Healing

For retired teachers Gai and Graham, participating in one of our Youth Justice Group Conferences offered a chance to heal and to support the young man responsible for a confronting break-in at their home.

17 year old Tye* was hanging out with friends in Darwin when the group decided to break into a house. After jumping the fence, Tye grabbed a pruning saw sitting in the soil, as he was scared about encountering a dog. They had intended to enter the house but found Gai and Graham on the back porch.

The group asked Graham and Gai for their wallets and car keys. After stealing two vehicles, Graham’s car was dumped nearby, and Gai’s was destroyed in the ensuing police chase with Tye behind the wheel.

For months following the offence, Gai and Graham had wanted to speak with Tye again to understand his story and what had led him to their house that day. They were given that opportunity when they were approached to participate in a Group Conference facilitated by Jesuit Social Services earlier this year.

Our Youth Justice Group Conferencing program brings together a young person who has offended, the people harmed from the offending behaviour and support people, to help facilitate an Outcome Plan.

For people harmed by an offence, like Gai and Graham, they take an active role in the conference including sharing their experience, how they were impacted and any long-term harm caused as a result. Gai and Graham shared with Tye how they were still scared to sit outside on their porch, that they suffered financially, and from the inconvenience of not having a car to drive. They also discussed what he could do to help make amends.

“Tye obviously felt like we had a connection [during the group conference]. And if you have that, then you have a chance of influencing someone,” Gai said.

Graham was particularly interested in hearing how Tye could get back on track. He was encouraged by Tye’s plans to complete Ceremonial Men’s Business, find work and pursue running.

“I've been in trade training for 25 years, and you can see that when kids have something to do, they're not so likely to get into trouble. I thought running was a great thing to hang your hat on...there's something to aim for."

Graham

Youth Justice Group Conferencing participant

Gai and Graham’s experience is not unique.

A pilot study showed 78 per cent of victims find the group conference a positive experience. A Victorian evaluation showed young participants are also up to 40 per cent less likely to reoffend.

Much of the work is still ahead of Tye, but Graham and Gai saw promise in his engagement in the Group Conference, and the expert and caring support people he had around him.

“We were all sitting there, and we wanted to help him”, said Graham. “That’s not a bad start, I thought.”

*Tye’s name has been changed to protect his identity