Thank you to the Parliament of NSW’s Select Committee on Youth Justice for inviting us to give evidence today at a hearing of the Inquiry into Youth Justice.
Our representatives, Marta Vasquez and Mark Jackson, shared with the committee our experiences of working with young people and communities every day, which we’ve proudly done since 1853.
It was an important opportunity to speak to something we know deeply through our work: the strong link between school disengagement and contact with the justice system, and the need for earlier, community-led responses that work with young people before issues escalate. Our evidence-based Alternative Suspension program is helping young people stay connected to education, build resilience and avoid deeper disengagement at a critical time in their lives.
Since launching in NSW in 2023, more than 500 young people have participated in Alternative Suspension. Of those who complete the program, nine-in-ten return to school, and at three-month follow-up, 67% have had no further suspensions.
We’re grateful to have had a seat at the table today, and proud to advocate for practical solutions that back young people, strengthen communities and create better outcomes for the future. We’re recommending that the NSW Government expand access to the evidence-based Alternative Suspension program across metropolitan, regional and rural communities as part of a broader early intervention response to youth justice.
A big thank you to Marta and Mark for representing The Y NSW so thoughtfully, and to the Committee for inviting us.
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