Kids’ tough lesson in NT

THE state government will conduct a review into a program that attempts to reform some of Tasmania’s most troubled kids.

The controversial Brahminy Program ships Tasmanian children not suited to mainstream programs to the Northern Territory for tough love techniques.

Opposition parties yesterday called for the six local children who are presently in program to be brought back to Tasmania.

The government is paying $274,000 per child per year. The state’s participation in the program was suspended in 2016 but has since resumed.

THE state government will “look into” a controversial program that ships Tasmanian children to the Northern Territory for tough love treatment.

Opposition parties yesterday called for the six local kids who are currently in the Brahminy Program to be brought home.

The government is paying $274,000 per child per year for the NT program, which, uses tough love techniques for children who are not suited to mainstream programs.

The state’s participation in the program was suspended in 2016, but has since resumed.

After media reports about the program, Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said young people engaged with the program should be brought home.

“These children are chucked in the too-hard basket and banished to the Northern Territory,” she said. “We’ve never supported the Brahminy program, it’s always been highly problematic.

“Most of all, because what you’re saying to these young people is ‘you’re trouble, we don’t know how to cope with you so we’re going to banish you to the Northern Territory, out of sight, out of mind’. It’s a terrible model.”

Labor leader Rebecca White said the government and the Human Services Minis ter were outsourcing their responsibilities.

“Roger Jaesnch needs to explain what he’s doing right now to make sure those children are getting appropriate care and ... explain why the government continues to send children to the Northern Territory when concerns were first raised about this very program in 2016, ”she said.

“The Labor Party has been consistent that since 2016, when a review was first conducted into the Brahminy program, that those children should have been brought home to Tasmania.

“The concern we have about this program is that these children aren’t even in their own state, they’re disconnected from their families and community.

Mr Jaensch said he had ordered a review of the program – which follows other reviews in 2017 and 2019.“Both reviews concluded it provides a safe environment for young people and is an effective program to support those with exceptionally complex needs ,” he said.

“Department of Communities Tasmania staff also regularly visit young people – as recently as this month – and work with the families of the young people engaged with the program.

“The program provides placements for Tasmanian young people who have very complex needs and where conventional care approaches are neither suitable or safe.

”Many of these children have experienced significant trauma in their lives and have a range of complex behavioural and emotional needs.

“However, in light of the concerns raised, I have asked my Department to look into those matters to ensure the program continues to operate as intended.”