University of Queensland researchers have developed a unique program to reduce delinquent behaviour in youth.
Based on more than three years of extensive research, the six-week Mindfields intervention program is designed to enable youth at a high risk of delinquency to change their lives.
Through interactive DVDs, journal writing, social modelling activities, inspirational testimonies, and one-on-one counselling, teenagers are challenged to question their actions, make informed choices about their behaviour and create positive changes.
The Mindfields program is being trialled with promising initial results. Teenagers completing the program have shown decreased delinquency and impulsiveness as well as an increased assertiveness, social problem solving, self regulation and life satisfaction.
Mindfields was developed by Associate Professor Annemaree Carroll and her team, as part of the Australian Research Council funded Creating Safer Communities project.
The project is a collaborative endeavour between UQ’s School of Education and the Department of Communities, Education Queensland, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Queensland Transport.
According to Associate Professor Carroll, delinquent behaviour poses a huge financial and social cost to our community
“In Australia, juvenile crime costs about $350 million annually, while the cost in Queensland is estimated at $145 million per year or about $21,000 per juvenile defendant,” Associate Professor Carroll said.
“Also, there’s been a rise in suspensions and exclusions of young people in schools.
“However, by working with the Queensland Government we’ve developed a unique intervention model with real potential to empower and support young people to address these serious issues and create a positive future for them.”
When the Mindfields trial is completed, UQ’s main commercialisation company, UniQuest Pty Ltd, hopes to disseminate the program and its resource kit widely throughout Queensland and nationally.
UniQuest Managing Director David Henderson said it was important that beneficial programs like Mindfields were taken from the research environment and applied to the community’s benefit.
“UniQuest is working alongside Associate Professor Carroll and the government departments involved in the project as well as with prospective publishers to get Mindfields into the hands of counsellors and community leaders working with youth at risk of delinquency,” Mr Henderson said.
Media: Mindfields will be showcased on Tuesday, June 27 from 4:30-6pm at the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre, University Drive, UQ, St Lucia Campus. Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC Governor of Queensland will launch the event. Ms Brooke Winters, Centre Manager, Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, Department of Communities also will be commenting on the need for programs like Mindfields.
Media inquiries: Associate Professor Annemaree Carroll (3365 6476, 0409 624 501); or Julia Renaud, UniQuest (3365 4037 or 0438 436 179).
