The 'place with no rules' helping kids shine | ABC Radio National

Key Concepts:

• Backtrack: An organization providing support and skills training for at-risk youth.
• Agreements: Collaborative guidelines established with both staff and youth, replacing traditional rules.
• Practical Skills Training: Focus on vocational skills like welding and carpentry.
• Dog Program: A program utilizing dogs to reduce crime rates and provide therapeutic benefits.
• At-Risk Youth: Young people facing challenges such as family instability, school expulsion, and legal issues.

Backtrack's Philosophy and Approach

Backtrack's foundational principle is that youth cannot be expelled from the program ("you can't get kicked out"). Instead of strict rules, Backtrack operates on a system of "agreements" developed collaboratively between staff and the youth. These agreements cover essential behaviors such as "keeping your hands to yourself" and "looking after each other." This approach aims to foster a supportive environment that facilitates the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Backgrounds of the Youth Served

The youth at Backtrack often come from challenging backgrounds. Many are under the care of the minister (government care), indicating removal from their families. A significant number are Indigenous youth, and many live in overcrowded housing. The age of referrals has shifted, with Backtrack now working with younger children, often as young as 10 or 11, compared to the initial focus on 16 and 17-year-olds. These youth are often "kicked out of school, kicked out of home, kicked out of the footy team," and "in trouble with the cops."

Practical Skills and Vocational Training

Backtrack emphasizes practical skills training as an alternative pathway to success for youth who have not thrived in the traditional education system. The program offers training in welding and carpentry, and employs carpenters. These skills provide tangible opportunities for employment and self-sufficiency.

Dog Program and Crime Reduction

A "massive dog program" is a key component of Backtrack's approach to reducing crime rates. The program likely involves training, care, and interaction with dogs, providing therapeutic benefits and fostering responsibility among the youth. The specific mechanisms by which the dog program reduces crime are not detailed, but the statement implies a direct correlation.

Notable Quotes:

• "You can't get kicked out" - This statement encapsulates Backtrack's commitment to providing unwavering support.
• "In place of no rules are agreements that we make up with the workers and with the kids" - This highlights the collaborative and participatory nature of Backtrack's governance.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Backtrack provides a unique and supportive environment for at-risk youth, focusing on practical skills training, collaborative agreements, and therapeutic programs like the dog program. By offering an alternative to traditional education and addressing the root causes of youth disengagement, Backtrack aims to empower young people to transition successfully into adulthood and reduce crime rates within the community. The shift towards serving younger children indicates a proactive approach to early intervention and prevention.