The number of young people involved in the juvenile justice system in Australia continues to grow. Many intervention programs have been designed, implemented, and reviewed, yet the problem continues to grow. The role of education in decreasing recidivism has been shown to be of great importance, but as with other initiatives the problem does not seem to be improving. The role of alternative education, however, has not received extensive research attention with the role of CARE schools in the reduction of recidivism explored even less. CARE schools provide a holistic approach to schooling, attempting to alleviate the basic problems our young people face. Through the lens of school leadership this presentation will highlight the work of a Western Australian CARE school, its alternative education approach and the initiatives that are helping keep the young people in its care from involvement with the justice system.
Presenters
Dr. Lukas Carey completed his Phd in education and has worked in the field for most of his working life as a coach, teacher, trainer and educator. While filling a role in local government he was charged with receiving commissions and served time in a Victorian Prison. During that time Lukas used his theoretical lived experience knowledge to study the educational happenings inside the justice system and its influence over the future employment opportunities upon release. With an interest in the role previously incarcerated people have in the development of policy and procedure in the justice system and the educational opportunities provided whilst incarcerated, Lukas is a strong advocate in the Convict Criminology field. The importance of the lived experiences of previously incarcerated people drives the work Lukas is doing in the criminology, education and research fields.
