Koori Strong helping Aboriginal youth find stability in their lives

The Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation (IAC) manages the Koori Strong program.

Koori Strong is aimed at breaking the cycle of local Aboriginal youth, aged 16-24, who enter the judicial system (with or without drug and alcohol abuse issues).

It supports those who are seeking stability but find it difficult to gain employment and housing because of their criminal or drug dependency history.

Nyssa Murray is Manager of Warrigal Employment, a section within the IAC.

Nyssa tells the story of a young woman, aged 16 with a history of criminal activity and mental health issues who was referred to the Koori Strong program in January 2019.

‘The client was supported to have a Care Plan with set goals to achieve stability and participated in educational programs run by Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), and attended Aboriginal cultural events in community and even pamper days!

‘Koori Strong worked in partnership with the client’s mother, father, solicitor, Juvenile Justice and NSW Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer with the aim to prevent re-offending.

‘The Koori Strong Case Worker advocated for the client at court to provide a sense of belonging and comfort that she was supported to create change in her life.

‘The Koori Strong Case Worker helps to build on community connections, culture, and other focus areas including judicial, health, safety, wellbeing, finance, education, training and employment, to create a stable environment for young Aboriginal people’.

‘There was also a component of support required to help her manage her mental health. This involved:

• referring the client to culturally appropriate services

• arranging psychologist appointments

• transporting the client to mental health appointments

• providing drug education and sessions to prevent drug use affecting her mental health

• providing support to eliminate self-harm and harm to others

• travelling with the client in an ambulance when mental health episodes are prevalent and staying with her at hospital while being under supervision

• informing and educating follow on services such as Lifeline and the Mental Health Hotline.

‘This young girl is now on track, supported, and very engaged with the Koori Strong Case Worker.

‘Although she still experiences hurdles to achieving her goals, she knows that we prioritise her safety and wellbeing.’

Koori Strong is proud to be working with the local Aboriginal community to support young people who are at risk of, or have had, experience with the justice system.