Asia Pacific New Directions in Juvenile Justice Reform Conference

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY

In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which the conference is being held. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgment to Country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.​ Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.​

THE CONFERENCE 

2024 Asia Pacific New Directions in Juvenile Justice Reform Conference is scheduled to be held on February 21-23, 2024 at the Hilton Hotel in Cairns QLD Australia. This crucial conference aims to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system. Indigenous children are now 26 times more likely to be in detention than non-Indigenous youth. Due to this, it is extremely crucial that justice targets need to be adopted as part of the Closing the Gap strategy - a move resisted by state and federal governments, yet one that would focus attention on policy outcomes aimed at reducing Indigenous youth incarceration. The need for systemic change is clear, but often it is only when there are consequences to individuals that behavioural and cultural change follows. 

The conference aims to bring together experts, stakeholders, and community members to discuss and develop strategies to prevent Indigenous youth from entering the justice system, support those who are already involved, and promote reconciliation and healing. The conference is a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and it provides an opportunity to collaborate and build partnerships to improve the lives of Indigenous youth and their communities. The Indigenous Juvenile Justice Conference is also a forum for celebrating the resilience, strength, and creativity of Indigenous youth and communities. The conference showcases innovative and inspiring programs that support Indigenous youth to thrive and achieve their potential, such as mentoring, education, art, and sport programs. By highlighting these positive initiatives, the conference will challenge the negative stereotypes and stigmatization of Indigenous youth and promotes a more nuanced and respectful understanding of their experiences and aspirations. The conference ultimately aims to empower Indigenous youth and communities to shape their own futures and contribute to a more just and equitable society. 

With the invention of the internet, the world is now at most peoples’ door step as such the sharing of information whether it be programs run by government or not-for-profit organisations has become more accessible in today’s society.  As such, the conference endeavours to establish a network for the sharing of information on preventive Juvenile Justice programs. 

CONFERENCE PHILOSPHY & BELIEFS

The philosophy of the Indigenous Juvenile Justice Conference centers around the belief that justice systems must be rooted in the principles of Indigenous cultures and communities. This means that Indigenous youth should be judged and treated based on their cultural background, their community's values and practices, and the principles of restorative justice. The conference promotes the idea that traditional approaches to justice, which prioritize punishment and isolation, have failed to adequately address the underlying issues that lead to youth offending. Instead, a more holistic approach that focuses on healing, rehabilitation, and reconciliation is needed.

Furthermore, the conference emphasizes the importance of involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the decision-making process, particularly in cases involving Indigenous youth. This includes recognizing and respecting the role of Elders, community leaders, and cultural experts in the justice system. Overall, the philosophy of the Indigenous Juvenile Justice Conference seeks to promote a justice system that is fair, just, and culturally appropriate for Indigenous youth. It recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives of Indigenous communities and seeks to address the underlying issues that contribute to youth offending through a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach.

In today’s hectic lifestyle we have almost instant news coverage on top of social media platforms 24/7, internet, jet travel and many other modern day technologies that can impact our lives instantly. The foundation of the conference is to share and discuss positive models that we may not be aware of, either in a different town, state or even country. As in most cases our work tends to be focused on the most prevalent issue. Thus preventing and blocking a chance to evaluate the bigger picture of what is taking place in other locations.

It is the conference belief that the wheel does not necessarily need to be reinvented,  as such the sharing of ideas and networking is our most influential weapon in moving forward with sustainable changes. The event is structured in such a way as to develop a wider methodology towards preventative programs that are not just culturally appropriate but community-based initiatives. This conference is devoted to showing the positives in addressing Juvenile Justice issues. Hence, the event has been developed with the belief that it is time to promote the positives and successes in Juvenile Justice programs, whilst still recognising that we still have a long way to go.  

The media today sensationalises Juvenile Justice in a negative light to the point we have seen individuals threatening vigilante actions and no viable positive suggestions on how to prevent further escalation. We must always remember that monuments are only erected to the positive and not the negative incidents in our society.

CONFERENCE AIMS & OBJECTIVES 

The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environment to further develop effective community justice programs. Moreover one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous people have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge, and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference to

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  Reduce incidence of Juvenile Justice at all levels.

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  Provide an open and frank forum for discussion.

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  Lend support to individuals and families working in the field of Family and Juvenile Justice.

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  Help establish and grow a worldwide network and resources through information sharing.

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  Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects. 

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  To bring together men, women and organizations as a united voice against Juvenile Justice

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  Bring together, researcher, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/developers & organisations.  

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  Networking and lend support to individuals and groups working in the field of Juvenile Justice. 

CONFERENCE THEME

The key themes of the Indigenous Juvenile Justice Conference is the need for a holistic approach to youth justice that acknowledges and addresses the underlying causes of offending, such as intergenerational trauma, poverty, and discrimination. The conference highlights the importance of involving Indigenous communities and Elders in the justice process, as they have a deep understanding of the cultural and social factors that contribute to youth offending. By engaging with Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, the conference aims to promote culturally appropriate and effective responses to youth offending that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment.

WHY ATTEND  

This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend.  In our everyday working environment the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at governmental level the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to participants. Hence, all Indigenous people and non-indigenous people whether professional or community-based, who have a vested interest in combating Juvenile Justice are invited.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

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  Juvenile Justice workers

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  Community groups

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  Family relationship workers

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  Community leaders

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  Indigenous women and men’s groups

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  Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs

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  Women groups, Human Rights Enthusiasts

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  Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers

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  People who are interested in combating Juvenile Justice

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  Government Representatives, Community Leaders

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  Consultants / Legal Professionals

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  Juvenile Justice Field Workers, Teachers

YOUR INVITATION

We wish to invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from Australia and throughout to attend the conference to share and gather information. We also extend an invitation to participants to join us at the conference dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.

 To ensure that delegates attend and participate, it is important to note that to show accountability of delegates in meeting their obligation; each delegate will receive a Certificate of Attendance only when they attend 85% of all the conference sessions. In addition, delegates will receive an electronic copy of all papers & presentations presented at the conference.

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  Who: Individuals, Groups, NGO’s, Government Agencies & Others

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  When: 21st to 23rd February 2024

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  Where:  The Hilton Hotel Cairns 

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  Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm

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  Conference Networking Dinner: Spirit of Cairns 

WARNING: Limited availability. Please register online or contact us via email, should you have any further queries.

WHO ARE WE 

Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) is a privately owned Indigenous business which specialises in events and conferences. Even though we are a self funded enterprise, we come from a grass roots background with a burning passion for social justice issues. As such, we seek to compliment the workings of community initiatives and organisations across a broad spectrum of Indigenous affairs. The events that we design  seek not to have a political agenda however, to compliment local, state and national organisations. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) seeks to employ local community members wherever possible and gives a strong undertaking to adhere to local customs and protocols.

CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS STORIES 

Come and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths, successes and empowerment. To share each other’s stories and ideas about what has work for you or your community and how we address life’s challenges.

FOR THE BOSS

As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance.

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  Staff attending conferences regularly tend  to become long term employees.

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  An event such as this adds to the positive moral of staff.

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  Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training.

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  Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organization knowledge base,

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  Allows delegates to showcase the organization nationally and internationally,

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  May provide organizations with new ideas,

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  Gives organizations a voice at a national level,

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  Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs,

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  Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

CALLING FOR PAPERS 

Guidelines for Submitting Paper:

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  Papers must take in to account cultural sensitivities of all groups.

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  Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes positive and fruitful discussion of the conference aims.

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  Conference papers must be presented in the finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.

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  First round of call for papers will be closed by October 31, 2024 with a second, if required with the closing date 24th December for the second round.

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  Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted if there is a second round.

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  Papers should be submitted in either Powerpoint or Microsoft Word format (word).

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  A Brief Outline of Paper (maximum 350 words online)

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  Presentation time at the conference for your papers will be allowed a maximum of 45 minutes, this will include question and answer time.

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  Call for papers registration fee of $800 will apply to all persons submitting papers payable upon acceptance of papers.

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  Papers must portray the conference themes.

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  A maximum of two presenters per paper are permitted for the discounted call for papers registration fee. Each presenter must supply their biography and photo.

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  No more than two paragraphs consisting of 5 lines per paragraph. 

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  A Head and Shoulders photo must be provided as part of your initial paper submission.

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  Authors agree to have their paper published as part of the conference proceedings.

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  Authors to agree to allow biography of themselves and their photo published as part of the conference promotion.

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  If required, Authors agree to consent to media interviews.

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  Authors and Presenters must show due respect and acknowledgement to Traditional Owners and Elders.

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  To submit a Paper, you must register on the website portal and complete the online Submit-A-Paper form. 

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  Author/s of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of acceptance.

CONFERENCE AGENDA  

Come and celebrate First Nations people & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths, successes and empowerment. To share First Nations people stories and ideas about what has worked for you, or your community, and how we address life’s challenges.

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  Overview of current Indigenous juvenile justice systems and their effectiveness

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  Understanding the root causes of Indigenous youth involvement in the justice system

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  Culturally responsive approaches to juvenile justice for Indigenous youth

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  Community-based alternatives to juvenile detention for Indigenous youth

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  Advocating for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in juvenile justice systems

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  Addressing the over-representation of Indigenous youth in the juvenile justice system

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  Restorative justice practices for Indigenous youth in the juvenile justice system

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  Ensuring access to legal representation and support for Indigenous youth in the justice system

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  Addressing the trauma and mental health needs of Indigenous youth in the justice system

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  Supporting Indigenous families and communities in preventing youth involvement in the justice system

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  The role of education and mentoring in reducing Indigenous youth involvement in the justice system

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  Understanding the impact of colonialism on Indigenous youth and the justice system

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  The intersection of poverty and juvenile justice for Indigenous youth

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  Addressing the criminalization of Indigenous cultural practices and traditions

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  Strategies for improving communication and collaboration between justice system personnel and Indigenous communities

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  Involving Indigenous youth in decision-making processes related to juvenile justice

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  Addressing the disproportionate impact of the justice system on Indigenous girls and gender-diverse youth

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  Understanding the experiences of Indigenous youth with disabilities in the justice system

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  The role of media and public perception in shaping attitudes towards Indigenous youth in the justice system

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  Understanding the historical trauma and its impact on Indigenous youth in the justice system.

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  Building partnerships between Indigenous communities and justice stakeholders.

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  Examining the role of cultural competency training for justice professionals working with Indigenous youth.

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  Discussing the use of diversion programs for Indigenous youth in the justice system.

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  Identifying best practices for engaging and supporting families and caregivers of Indigenous youth in the justice system.

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  Developing trauma-informed approaches to juvenile justice for Indigenous youth.

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  Exploring the impact of child welfare policies and practices on Indigenous youth in the justice system.

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  Developing strategies for prevention and early intervention for Indigenous youth at risk of involvement in the justice system.

2024 CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. So to overcome this, the conference secretary has organized a conference dinner to be held on the first night of the event. This dinner will give delegates the opportunity to further network while letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be a private charter dinner cruise with the Spirit of Cairns at a cost of $150 per person including a three course meal. The conference dinner is additional to the conference fees and bookings must be made prior to the event. 

 A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way, to end a perfect day in paradise. Boarding our sailing catamaran at the Marlin Marina, you’ll enjoy an evening of calm water cruising on Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights and sounds of this tropical port city and its surrounding mangroves, as they transition from day to night. Every journey begins with bubbles, as all good dinner cruises should. With your glasses charged, stroll the interior or exterior decks and admire the view as the sky transforms from blue to red to orange and finally a silky black, filled with thousands of sparkling stars. Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Trinity Inlet and across the waterfront precinct of Cairns, from the Cruise Liner Terminal to the Esplanade. The water is calm, the weather mild and the night is yours to enjoy, with entertainment and a delicious  3 Course Buffet Dinner  featuring some of the region’s best produce, including seafood. The luxurious Spirit of Cairns sailing catamaran is fully licensed, selling a range of beverages, including tropical cocktails. This is the ultimate in waterside dining.

​When Do We Go

The Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise departs Marlin Marina at 6.30pm and returns at 9pm. Check-in and boarding is at the boat, moored at Marlin Marina, starting from 6 pm. A complimentary drink is served on arrival and the bar is also open for further drink purchases throughout the trip. The conference dinner cruise is scheduled for the evening of Day 1.

​What Will You See / Do

Enjoy a fantastic evening of calm water cruising with entertainment, delicious 3 course buffet meal and fabulous views, including sunset over the rainforest-clad mountains (depending on the time of year). Starting at Marlin Marina, Spirit of Cairns takes you on a journey deep into the interior of Trinity Inlet and its winding tributaries. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even see a crocodile. The cruise passes along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade precinct, delivering panoramic views of the twinkling night lights of this port city.

​What Do You Need To Bring / Wear

​Yourself and your smile, for a great evening ahead. Tropical cocktail attire is suggested, with a light jacket for the winter months. Footwear is mandatory, with suitable shoes for boating recommended. Although it’s a calm water cruise, you will find it more comfortable moving around the boat in flat rubber soled shoes. Don’t forget to bring a little cash, EFTPOS or credit card for your bar purchases.

​Highlights & Inclusions

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  A 2.5 hour calm water sunset / evening cruise

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  Luxurious air-conditioned vessel

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  Large outdoor decks

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  Complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink on arrival

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  Delicious hot and cold 3 course buffet, featuring fresh seafood and local produce

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  Live Music by some of Cairns’ best musicians

TRAVEL 

One of the prohibitive factors in attending a conference is the airfare component. Our company strives in making our event a lesser burden on the individual or organisation by negotiating competitive and affordable travel packages. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) also recognises that some NGO’s or other agencies will need to seek additional funding to attend, therefore First Nations Travel Agency quotation can be made out to either pay ASAP or to consider the time that is required to obtain funding. For the best possible airfares and seat availability, please confirm your attendance ASAP. All of our booking is made through First Nations Travel, a new 100% indigenous owned travel agency here to make booking your flights stress free and relaxing for an enquiry please phone us on +61740009111 or send us your expression of interest by email through our Contact Page.

VENUE & ACCOMMODATION 

Cairns is truly a destination to impress everyone. From the moment you fly in over lush tropical green rainforest and aqua  blue reefs of the great, you know you are truly in a special part of the world. Experience the warmth of our genuine Australian hospitality at the Hilton Hotel Cairns. Prominently situated on the marina, providing guests with both a direct gateway to the reef, tours and attractions and the perfect Cairns getaway. The Hilton Cairns is deemed as the waterfront retreat near the Great Barrier Reef. Set amid tropical greenery on Cairns’ waterfront, the hotel is a gateway to  the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef Terminal, where the majority of trips depart, is just 400 meters from the hotel. It is also within 22 kilometers to reach the Crystal Cascades and Cairns Botanic Gardens. The hotel has a lagoon-style outdoor pool and treatments spa.The Hilton Hotel and Cairns is on the lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji peoples who are the Traditional Owners of both land and sea Country and have been living on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef amongst the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest for thousands of years.  

VISA TO AUSTRALIA

If you are an international guest or speaker, please note that citizens of some countries require visas before entering Australia. To obtain an Australian Visa, you may require a letter of invite from the conference secretariat.  To obtain the letter of invitation, the guest must have registered for the conference and paid the required conference cost. This is refundable if visas are not approve, you should allow a minimum of 60 days for visa processing at the nearest Australian Embassy.  Please note, processing visa documents in some countries may take longer, depending on your country of origin. Visas can be obtained online by searching the Australian Government website and accessing the Department Of Immigration and border protection site. For your convenience we have added the link to our website, which is www.border.gov.au/information/facet-sheets

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

Flexible sponsorship packages are available. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61740009111 or send us your expression of interest by email through our Contact Page.