Youth & Family wellbeing case management service and mentoring

Designed to support the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of young people aged between 10-25 years old and families who are or are at risk of experience the Northern Territory youth justice and policing systems. B2A focuses on building determinants of health for young people and their families, rather than focusing on criminogenic risk. B2A will draw on research and key localised findings to determine evidence-based, the best practice supports for young people through their transitions out of the Youth Justice systems. This is integral for reintegration and participation back into the broader community.  

Not being traditional case management as we provide on-the-ground mentoring, after-hours engagements, having a well-being hub that not only youth but families attend, including a sensory room, arts, yarning circles, gym, native gardening, shed for work experience, hot desk computer for life admin and employment supports. The B2A service engages with young people and families in various settings, including in the community, watch houses, youth detention, throughout the transition phase back into community, at home, and through continuing support for young people up to 21 years of age.

Identity & cultural mentoring and education

B2A runs inclusivity, identity and mentoring sessions at Tivendale (Don Dale), Malak and Palmerston reengagement schools. With a focus on engaging all young people who face systemic or individual barriers to wellbeing support in education, as well as increasing their knowledge and access into gaining employment. Workshops consist of workplace tours, mentoring, goal setting and cultural strengthening activities.

Key components of our programs are prioritisation of:

• After-hours and weekend support.
• Local First Nation’s role models.
• Role model and service agreements, which are led led by families and young people.
• Comprehensive data collection and expression sessions led by young people.
• Working with the entire family unit including siblings and caregivers.
• B2A data sets focusing on cultural, social and emotional wellbeing determinants.
• Community and sector collaboration and partnership.
• A focus on identifying and addressing gaps in service and improving the effectiveness of support in the sector. Eg. Education supports for young people are ostracised from mainstream schooling due to involvement with youth detention.
  

Brother to Another service strategically positions young people and families to have improved access to pro social activities, appointments, health care, education and employment opportunities. The service collaborates with the community, government and NGO sectors to fill service gaps in supporting young people experiencing the policing and legal systems. Our coordinated support and mentorship are to support First Nation's youth and families have less contact with NT Youth detention, and gain improved wellbeing and capacity to lead their self determining lives.

Culture and identity, safety and ethics, solutions focused and accountable, strong relationships and respect, collaboration and capacity building, and compassion.

We are a registered charity with an all First Nations board and staff. We are in the process of developing a Community Reference Group which will include an accountability structure back to Brother to Another eg. family-led service plans ensure we do what the family identifies as needs.