In many cases, multiple policy objectives, funding streams and service providers are challenges to the effective coordination of services, which were exacerbated by hub coordinator positions being unfilled for substantial amounts of time. Collaboration with justice and other services Government stakeholders, service providers and youth workers did not identify any gaps or overlaps that exist in relation to current justice services provided in communities. However, stakeholders did identify a need for additional resources, and for relationships between justice services and youth workers to continue to be built upon and strengthened. East Kimberley Youth Justice Services (EKYJS) identified the value that having youth workers on the ground had contributed to the improved case management of youth in contact with the justice system. In a number of communities (Warmun and Wyndham in particular), EKYJS were in close and regular contact with youth workers to share information. EKYJS also highlighted the importance of the trust relationships developed between some youth workers and youth engaged with the justice system and how this impacted positively on being able to successfully provide youth justice services. The Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service also identified collaborative relationships established with workers in remote communities. The service highlighted that youth workers had been a crucial part of the response when VSU incidents did occur, and enabled a quicker response to incidents than had previously been the case. As described previously, police in many communities also share information and work with service providers within the community to address youth issues. Many stakeholders highlighted the importance of these partnerships. Some service providers identified that greater information sharing on and offending within communities would be of benefit to service providers, as well as allowing service providers to identify when some programs/activities may be a difference’ to key issues. In other communities, police already share this ‘making information with service providers.
In many cases, multiple policy objectives, funding streams and service providers are challenges to the effective coordination of services, which were exacerbated by hub coordinator positions being unfilled for substantial amounts of time. Collaboration with justice and other services Government stakeholders, service providers and youth workers did not identify any gaps or overlaps that exist in relation to current justice services provided in communities. However, stakeholders did identify a need for additional resources, and for relationships between justice services and youth workers to continue to be built upon and strengthened. East Kimberley Youth Justice Services (EKYJS) identified the value that having youth workers on the ground had contributed to the improved case management of youth in contact with the justice system. In a number of communities (Warmun and Wyndham in particular), EKYJS were in close and regular contact with youth workers to share information. EKYJS also highlighted the importance of the trust relationships developed between some youth workers and youth engaged with the justice system and how this impacted positively on being able to successfully provide youth justice services. The Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service also identified collaborative relationships established with workers in remote communities. The service highlighted that youth workers had been a crucial part of the response when VSU incidents did occur, and enabled a quicker response to incidents than had previously been the case. As described previously, police in many communities also share information and work with service providers within the community to address youth issues. Many stakeholders highlighted the importance of these partnerships. Some service providers identified that greater information sharing on and offending within communities would be of benefit to service providers, as well as allowing service providers to identify when some programs/activities may be ‘making a difference’ to key issues. In other communities, police already share this information with service providers.
East%20Kimberley%20Youth%20Services%20Network%20Evaluation%20Report%202013.docx