Media Release: Old Ways New Ways

Diversionary youth pathways for a better future program

Hope Community Services (HOPE) as part of a consortia including Wadjuk Northside and Stephen Michael Foundation and led by Aboriginal Legal Services of Western Australia (ALSWA) has been awarded a $6 million grant to implement the “Old Ways New Ways” program, an alternative model to youth diversion to help turn the tide on youth detention.

The funding comes from the National Justice Reinvestment Program, an Albanese Government commitment to pursue meaningful change by investing in place-based initiatives, led and implemented by First Nations communities and organisations.

The Old Ways New Ways diversionary program will wrap around the young person and their family within a central hub environment, providing innovative, evidence-based and culturally safe services that will support young people and lead them on a healing pathway away from the criminal justice system.

HOPE is thrilled to be a part of this important new lens on juvenile diversion, and firmly believe that by working in partnership with this ALSWA-led consortia to deliver Old Ways New Ways, we will be able to provide high risk young people in WA with an opportunity to change their lives, to keep them out of detention and provide pathways and direction to a brighter future.

HOPE Chief Executive Officer Merinda March said this close collaboration between strong, culturally-safe community organisations and experienced specialist service providers will give young Western Australians an alternative and positive experience of the Youth Justice System (YJS).

“This new approach will not only divert young people from detention at facilities like Banksia Hill, but provide guidance, connection to culture, connection to country, and different pathways that will deliver young people with the opportunity to thrive” explained Ms March.