2024 Asia-Pacific Juvenile Justice Conference

HILTON HOTEL

CAIRNS QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA

February 21-23, 2024

THE CONFERENCE

The 2024 Asia - Pacific Juvenile Justice 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. This conference is a prelude to the much larger 2025 Global Juvenile Justice Conference planned to be held at a Pacific rim nation which will be announced at the Cairns conference based on received request for proposals from countries and venues in the South Pacific rim region.

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 AIM & OBJECTIVE

The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate open and frank discussion through the sharing of traditional knowledge and strengths to overcome adversity and fosters partnerships between governments, service providers and First Nations communities. Its designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environment to further develop strength, unity and education. Moreover, one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous peoples 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.

Reduce First Nations youth incarcerations
Provide an open and frank forum for discussion
Lend support to individuals and families working in the Justice system
Help establish and grow a worldwide network and resources through information sharing
Show that there are great efforts being made to make change
Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects
To bring together all sectors of the community as a united voice to say there are alternatives to juvenile incarceration
Bring together researchers, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/developers & organisations
Networking and lend support to individuals and groups working in the justice system
To foster partnerships between Government, Service Providers, Community groups and individuals

CONFERENCE THEME

The key themes of the 2024 Asia-Pacific 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. The conference theme includes:

Based on the principle that prevention is better than detention
Developing partnerships from the Community to Government
Building capacities for improving outcomes in reducing numbers of Indigenous youth entering into the justice system.

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 all delegates. Hence, all professionals and community-based workers who have a vested interest in juvenile justice are invited.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Indigenous Justice Workers and people working in juvenile justice
Consultants / Legal Professionals
Nurses / Doctors/ Psychiatrists, Police Officers, Social Workers and Police Officers
Youth Workers, Domestic violence workers, Justice Workers
Community groups
Family relationship workers
Community leaders
Indigenous women and men’s groups
Psychologists, Social Workers, NGOs
Human Rights Enthusiasts
Government Representatives, Community Leaders
Domestic Violence Field Workers, Teachers

UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION

UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women recognises the urgent need for universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of all human beings, affirming that violence against women constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms, and concerned about the long-standing failure to protect and promote those rights and freedoms in the case of violence against women, recognising that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women, and that violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men, concerned that some groups of women such as women belonging to minority groups, Indigenous women, refugee women, migrant women, women living in rural or remote communities, destitute women, women in institutions or in detention, female children, women with disabilities, elderly women and women in situations of armed conflict, are especially vulnerable to violence.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER

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:

Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees.
An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation knowledge base.
Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.
Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.

CALLING FOR PAPER

To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations. Click the submit a paper button and complete the form online after reviewing the guidelines of submitting paper.

THE CONFERENCE AGENDA

(This draft agenda may change without prior notice and published only to guide those submitting papers)

DAY 1

8:30am REGISTRATION Registration of Delegates

9:00am Welcome to County Respected Elder & Traditional performances

9:45am Opening Keynote Current Indigenous juvenile justice systems and their effectiveness

10:30am MORNING TEA Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

11:00am Room A: Plenary Session Culturally responsive approaches to juvenile justice for Indigenous youth

Room B: Plenary Session Community-based alternatives to juvenile detention for Indigenous youth

Room C: Plenary Session Restorative justice practices for Indigenous youth in juvenile justice system

11:45am Room A: Plenary Session Understanding the impact of colonialism in young people

Room B: Plenary Session Addressing the over-representation of Indigenous youth in juvenile justice

Room C: Plenary Session Addressing the trauma and mental health needs of Indigenous youth

12:30pm LUNCH BREAK Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

1:30 pm Room A: Plenary Session Developing strategies for prevention and early intervention for Indigenous youth at risk of involvement in the justice system.

Room B: Plenary Session Supporting Indigenous families and communities in preventing youth

involvement in the justice system

Room C: Plenary Session Building partnerships between Indigenous communities and justice

stakeholders.

2:15 pm Room A: Plenary Session Strategies for improving communication and collaboration between justice

system personnel and Indigenous communities

Room B: Plenary Session The role of media and public perception in shaping attitudes towards Indigenous youth in the justice system

Room C: Plenary Session Understanding the historical trauma and its impact on Indigenous youth in

the justice system

3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

3:30pm Combined Keynote Youth Violence: The impact on our families and communities

4:15pm Combined Keynote The Power of One: Strength Through Unity - It is the Future

6:30pm CONFERENCE NETWORKING DINNER

As they say, all work and no play, makes for a dull conference. 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.

DAY 2

8:30am REGISTRATION Registration of Delegates

9:00am Keynote (Blackfeet USA) Exploring Best Practices For Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention

9:45am Keynote (Maori First Nations NZ) New approach towards Methamphetamine Use and Depression

10:30am MORNING TEA Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

11:00am Room A: Plenary Session Discussing the use of diversion programs for Indigenous youth

Room B: Plenary Session Identifying effective methods for addressing the school-to-prison pipeline

Room C: Plenary Session The role of education and mentoring in reducing youth involvement

in the justice system

11:45am Room A: Plenary Session Advocating for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in juvenile justice systems

Room B: Plenary Session Ensuring access to legal representation and support for youth in the

justice system

Room C: Plenary Session Identifying best practices for engaging and supporting families and caregivers of Indigenous youth in the justice system

12:30pm LUNCH BREAK Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

1:30 pm Room A: Plenary Session Developing trauma-informed approaches to juvenile justice for Indigenous

young people.

Room B: Plenary Session Understanding the experiences of Indigenous youth with disabilities in the

justice system

Room C: Plenary Session Addressing the disproportionate impact of the justice system on girls and gender-diverse youth

2:15 pm Room A: Plenary Session Addressing the criminalization of Indigenous cultural practices and traditions

Room B: Plenary Session The intersection of poverty and juvenile justice for Indigenous youth

Room C: Plenary Session Involving youth in decision-making processes related to juvenile justice

3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA Network with Service Providers/Exhibitors

3:30pm Combined Keynote Exploring the impact of child welfare policies and practices on Indigenous

youth in the justice system

4:15pm Interactive Panel (Yarning Circle) Elders, Guest Speakers & All Delegates

5:00pm End of conference Delegates who attend 85% of the conference will be entitled to a certificate of participation

DAY 3

For 2024, we offer new and exciting innovation for our conferences. Day 3 is devoted to professional development workshop or masterclass. As such, we have introduced several exciting networking and professional development innovations which is an extra cost for your chosen masterclass and comes with a course certificate. Day Three is optional so please make sure you complete your registration form with the masterclass included if you intend to attend. This year’s program features a strong selection of Leadership and Empowerment topics for workers in social justice sectors and practitioners at every level of experience and expertise.

OPTION 1 - CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - HEALING CIRCLE WORK

The Healing Circle Work masterclass addresses emotional challenges and barriers faced by people who have had traumatic experiences. Healing Circle Work is not a therapeutic program, but therapeutic outcomes are experienced. As participants, you will learn to live life in the moment recognising and understanding your own spirituality and gaining the ability to enter the moment to reaffirm yourselves. This workshop will teach you to learn to appreciate and be accountable for your highest good, and the highest good of others around you. Healing Circle Work is provided in group sessions, and is suitable for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants over 18 years of age. Reserve your place now and let us unlock this ancient Aboriginal wisdom and knowledge shared with all peoples.

Healing Circle Works is strictly limited to 10-12 people only. Cost is $350 per person.

OPTION 2 - CONFERENCE MASTERCLASS - The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide

Worrying about how your team, family and community effectively assist and manage clients experiencing intergenerational trauma? Indigenous peoples around the world endured several generations of trauma and other neurological effects and compromised behavioural immunity which leads to behavioural indicators such as substance abuse and suicide. Our current generation is impacted by structural violence, poverty, racism, governmental neglect and ongoing hostilities, and unfortunately, our mob have learned our lessons in traumatiSation as well wherein many situations, we have internalized the trauma imposed on ourselves and turned onto our own families, communities, and selves.

This workshop will teach you:

The strong benefits of recapturing and revitalizing our languages, cultures and spirituality
How to become an interventionist to suicide in your communities
Understand and utilise trauma-informed care to heal ourselves, our clients, and our communities.
Strategies in managing clients and families affected by intergenerational trauma and break the cycle of suicide in our communities.
In Just One Day You Can Learn Strategies for how to become an interventionist to suicide and work effectively with your clients who are experiencing intergenerational trauma and their families.

The Gatekeeper Cultures and Spirituality - Interventionist to Suicide is strictly limited to 30 people only. Cost is $350 per person.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Juvenile Justice Conference is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers and grass-roots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.

REGISTRATION

Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS of from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.

CONFERENCE VENUE AND 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.

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 second night of the event. This dinner with give delegates the opportunity to further network whilst letting your hair down in an informal setting. The conference dinner will be at a cost of $150 per person for 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

A 2.5 hour calm water sunset / evening cruise
Luxurious air-conditioned vessel
Large outdoor decks
Complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink on arrival
Delicious hot and cold 3 course buffet, featuring fresh seafood and local produce
Live Music by some of Cairns’ best musicians

MONEY SAVING IDEAS

The event secretary has come up with some great ideas on how to save money for you and your organisation.

ACCOMMODATION: We have negotiated a special room rate for delegates at the venue. To avail for this special discounted rate, contact us and advise your arrival or check-in date and departure date so we can send you the accommodation tax invoice accordingly.

TRAVEL: We have engaged First Nations Travel Agency to negotiate with all the relevant stakeholders for hotel & flights.

CONCESSION: A special registration rate for university students is being offered for a flat rate of $750

VISA TO AUSTRALIA

Due to COVID-19, restrictions may apply to overseas travelers. Please follow travel advisory from Australian embassy near you.

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 approved, 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 from the Australian Federal Government's Department of Home Affairs website at this link https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit#

SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE

ICS Australia have developed flexible sponsorship packages to sponsor the conference either in part or in full. Sponsorship is a great way of promoting your organisation/ company/ department to all delegates attending the conference. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprise, not individuals. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest by email: adminics@iinet.net.au

ICS-MEES Pty Ltd

International Conference Services (Australia)

Postal Address: P.O.Box 702 Edmonton LPO Edmonton QLD 4869

Web: www.ics-australia.org ; www.icsconferences.org

Email: adminics@iinet.net.au

Phone: 07 4000 9111, +61 4557 76 668

Please note this website is continually being updated.

Having issues finding what you are looking for, email adminics@iinet.net.au.

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