Nyoongar Outreach Services – A community-led approach to justice diversion and empowerment

The Nyoongar Outreach Services (NOS), based in Perth and Fremantle, Western Australia, is a community-led initiative dedicated to reducing the risk of offending among First Nations youth aged 13 to 18 and increasing their engagement with education and employment.

NOS employs local people who drive community-led and culturally responsive solutions. NOS frontline First Nations staff bring the necessary cultural expertise to work with First Nations people.

In 2024, a young person who had extensive involvement with law enforcement for petty crime was referred to NOS. The young person was not attending school, and shared a home with 4 siblings, and 3 cousins. These young people were regularly at home without structure, guidance and supervision during the day. An appropriate First Nations Youth Engagement Officer worked with the young person to provide education around consequences of actions and to demonstrate positive role modelling.

The family’s willingness to accept support meant a wraparound service and Case Management was provided to all 5 young people. The Youth Engagement Team Case Manager Practitioner had regular contact with the young people’s guardian and provided a safe environment where concerns were identified, and solutions were sought.

Inter-agency meetings were held between NOS, the Department of Communities, relevant local not for profits and the young person’s school. This collaboration ensured all support needs were addressed while also not over-servicing the family.

Since being part of NOS, the young person has joined sporting activities, the local football team and a boxing club dedicated to developing skills in self-discipline and endurance. The young person’s guardian was referred to a local women’s group where she receives emotional support and positive parenting guidance.

The young person has improved their school attendance from 15% to around 90% with no reported incidents while at school. The school Principal commented that, “staff can see the boys are a lot happier within the school environment” and they had attended school every day for the past 3 weeks. Criminal activity reduced to nil reported incidents.

The guardian has a strong desire to break the cycle and become a positive role model. With the young person’s behaviours managed, she has been able to commence a work ready training course and plans to enter the workforce as soon as she gains the skills and confidence.

Read more about Nyoongar Outreach Services.

Photo: Nyoongar Outreach Service