Aboriginal young fellas (males aged 12 to 15 years) who reside in our catchment area, are non-serious offenders, do not present with serious mental health or behavioural concerns, and meet one or more of the following selection criteria:
- Are exhibiting signs of disengagement from family and community life
- Have low levels of literacy and numeracy and want to improve
- Want to make the ‘shift’ and improve their life prospects
- Are coming to the notice of police
- Are at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system
- Are making their first appearance in court
- Are not attending school regularly, or have a history of absenteeism and truancy
- Have dropped out of or been suspended from school
- Are exhibiting signs of being influenced by negative role models
All young fellas referred to the program must agree to voluntarily enter the centre and commit to the full program. From experience, we know that any participant who is forced, bribed or pushed into participating in the Tirkandi program is less likely to successfully complete the program.