Young offenders build a future
When Susan and Stuart watch their daughter explore her cubby, they know the little house has already played a big part in supporting the Ipswich community. The cubby house was built by 20 young offenders on community service orders and auctioned to raise funds for Ipswich Hospice Care. It is one of the many carpentry projects built as part of the Ipswich Youth Justice Service woodwork program.
Youth worker Ernie Pollock, who has run the program for seven years, saw the need to give young offenders meaningful activities that would help them develop skills and improve their job prospects while giving back to the community.
"Young people who have committed a range of offences learn simple maths and how to use power and hand tools while developing their personal and social skills," Ernie says. "A lot of the boys lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. They can't read a measuring tape. This program helps prepare them for real life."
Along with learning how to build toys and furniture, the young people learn about workplace safety, effective communication and teamwork. "If they learn how to communicate to get what they need, they won't be inclined to offend," Ernie says.
Ernie says the participants, aged 13 to 17, often lack direction and positive role models. "We chat with them about how we are all going to get the best result out of their time on the program. At the end it's up to them to participate and get the most out of it.
"Many won't go on to study but will make a living out of labouring. Some leave with the goal of getting a building apprenticeship." Ernie says the young people require patience, mentoring and realistic goals.
"Most boys want to build something. We encourage them to make something reasonably quickly so they get a sense of achievement. From there, we build up to something bigger like a set of drawers or even a cubby house."
Stuart says his daughter loves her cubby. "She was given a tea set recently and loves to hold tea parties for all her toys. Thank you to everyone for making such a lovely little house. It will bring Beth and her new baby brother many years of joy."
Phone the Ipswich Youth Justice Service on 4699 4222 for more information.