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Sentenced to a Skill

Sentenced to a skill (STAS) is a structured, community-based sentencing option for young people aged 10 to 17 years. It is designed as an alternative program to detention.

For 10 to 14 year-olds, support focuses on education engagement and pre-vocational life skills development.

For 14 to 17 year-olds, support includes vocational skills training, employment pathways and re-engagement with education.

The program delivers tailored support based on each young person’s risks, needs and goals. This helps them meet their legal obligations, improve how they engage with education and community and support long-term behaviour change.

STAS is part of the Northern Territory Government’s crime reduction strategy focused on accountability, reparation and rehabilitation. It is delivered in partnership with funded community organisations and monitored by the Department of Corrections' Youth Justice Programs unit.

Organisations work with:

  • community youth justice officers (CYJO)
  • NT Police
  • education and training providers
  • health and community services
  • families, Elders and local stakeholders.

Eligibility

Young people may be sentenced to the STAS program by a court for a period of 3 to 12 months.

The decision may be based on a pre-sentence report prepared by a community youth justice officer (CYJO) or determined at sentencing where appropriate.

After sentencing:

  • a CYJO is assigned to monitor compliance and provide supervision
  • a criminogenic needs assessment is completed to identify risk factors and guide intervention planning.

What it involves

The STAS program includes the following.

Pre-vocational and life skills, such as:

  • health and wellbeing
  • communication
  • healthy relationships and family skills
  • financial literacy
  • community service activities
  • school re-engagement.

Vocational training and pathways, such as:

  • workplace skills
  • industry courses (for example, white card, hospitality, food handling)
  • traineeships and apprenticeships
  • ranger and land management programs
  • re-engagement with formal education.

Locations and providers

Providers are responsible for:

  • delivering appropriate life skills and training activities
  • providing structured mentoring, supervision and support
  • developing individualised case plans and regular progress reports
  • identifying transition pathways, exit planning and long-term supports
  • supporting young people to engage with education, training and employment opportunities.

Central Australia Youth Link-Up Service (CAYLUS) in partnership with the Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation

The Pirrijirdi Maninjaku Kurlangu ‘Making You Strong’ program incorporates group-based interventions and practical activities to support positive behaviour change and reduce reoffending.

It also ensures young people face appropriate consequences, accountability and opportunities for reparation in response to their behaviour.

Includes:

  • structured behaviour change program tailored for young people
  • mentoring and individualised skills development
  • life skills and pre-vocational training
  • education, training and employment pathway support
  • community-based activities focused on accountability and reparation.

For more information, go to the CAYLUS website.

Anglicare NT

A trauma-informed, culturally responsive and family-centred approach to address underlying causes of offending.

Includes:

  • intensive case management (3 to 12 months)
  • life-skills and wellbeing workshops (short-term tailored modules)
  • community service and restorative justice activities (ongoing)
  • education and employment pathway support (individualised planning and transitions)
  • collaboration with families and local services to support long-term positive outcomes.

For more information, go to the Anglicare NT website.

Pathfinders NT - Rite 2 Rise Program

A hands-on, skills-based program focused on building confidence, independence, world skills and employability through practical learning and mentoring. It incorporates family involvement, positive role models and strong links with local training providers and businesses.

Includes:

  • structured skills development programs (typically 6 to 8 weeks) with ongoing mentoring
  • pre-employment skill intensives delivered throughout the program
  • practical activities such as construction, mechanical skills, creative projects and maintenance work
  • individualised case planning and transition support.

For more information, go to the Pathfinders NT website.

Anglicare NT

A trauma-informed, culturally responsive and family-centred approach to address underlying causes of offending.

Includes:

  • intensive case management (3 to 12 months)
  • life-skills and wellbeing workshops (short-term tailored modules)
  • community service and restorative justice activities (ongoing)
  • education and employment pathway support (individualised planning and transitions)
  • collaboration with families and local services to support long-term positive outcomes.

For more information, go to the Anglicare NT website.

Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC)

Provides culturally appropriate, community-led programs focused on life skills development, education engagement and vocational pathways like ranger programs, construction and community-based work.

Includes:

  • tailored programs based on individual needs, risks and goals
  • age-specific supports for 10 to14 years (education and routine) and 14 to 17 years (training and employment pathways)
  • mentoring and structured support to build independence and community connection
  • practical life skills such as financial literacy, digital skills and accessing essential services
  • strong focus on building routine, capability and long-term outcomes.

For more information, go to the Thamarrurr Development Corporation website.

Contact

For more information, email Youth Justice Programs at doc.youthcommunityprograms@nt.gov.au.