Gair, Susan, Zuchowski, Ines, Jebichi, Daisy, O'Reilly, Sara, Rauwerda, Raechelle, and Savoru, Nikkola (2024) At-risk youth peer researchers highlight safety and “the bonds you make with staff and peers”. Australian Social Work, 77 (2). pp. 311-323.

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Abstract

The over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the juvenile justice system is an ongoing social justice issue. Here we report on our latest research project within an ongoing industry partnership between staff at The Lighthouse and social work researchers from a regional Queensland University. The Lighthouse is a diversionary service provided by the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS) that supports young people who are at risk or high risk of offending. The primary aims of this study were to explore the experiences of young people using The Lighthouse diversionary service; and to recruit young people as peer researchers in discussions about the services provided to them. Key results reveal high priorities for participants were physical, emotional and cultural safety, feeling supported and not judged, and having strong connections at the service so they felt they were among mates, friends and family. We note lessons learned about undertaking peer research with young people, and highlight the distinctive role undertaken by Indigenous workers. Findings can contribute to informed social work practice and to available literature on engaging young people as peer researchers.

Item ID:	77095
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0312-407X
Keywords:	youth offending; peer research; service delivery; cultural safety; juvenile justice
Copyright Information:	© 2023 Australian Association of Social Workers. Accepted Version: © 2023. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2022 03:05
FoR Codes:	44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440902 Counselling, wellbeing and community services @ 60% 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440903 Social program evaluation @ 40%
SEO Codes:	21 INDIGENOUS > 2101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community services > 210101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community service programs @ 50% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community services > 210102 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander development and wellbeing @ 50%
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