25 November 2025
A proven, evidence-based initiative is now being rolled out in Logan and the Gold Coast to support young people transitioning out of detention to deliver broader benefits and savings to the community.
Life Without Barriers has launched the Staying on Track program to provide practical, personalised support to set our young people up for long-term success and wellbeing.
Staying on Track uses proven methods that equip our young people with the skills and support needed to strengthen their family relationships and social connections and help reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Funded by the Queensland Government, the Staying on Track program addresses the causes of risk-taking or anti-social behaviours, including trauma and disadvantage, while nurturing the stronger relationships and connections that help maintain progress.
Life Without Barriers will deliver the 12-month program using two evidence-based models - the family focused structured therapy of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and the mentor-based delivery of the Youth Advocate Program (YAP).
More than 30 years of research shows programs following the MST model achieve significant positive outcomes for young people and their families, as well as broader social and economic benefits for the community.
Proven results include a 42 per cent reduction in long-term re-arrest rates, decreased substance use, fewer mental health issues, improved educational and employment outcomes, enhanced family wellbeing, and positive ripple effects for siblings.
Collectively, these outcomes can generate substantial public savings compared to scenarios where young people in contact with the youth justice system do not receive MST support.
While detention-based approaches to youth justice are known to be harmful, ineffective, and cost around $1 billion annually, this research demonstrates that programs supporting young people’s development, wellbeing, and connection to family, culture and community deliver far better outcomes - creating happier, healthier, and safer communities.
Life Without Barriers’ Chief Executive Claire Robbs said the program recognises that access to safe and stable environments and strong, supportive relationships can make a big difference to a young person’s life.
“The Staying on Track program equips families and our young people with support and practical skills to help ensure they feel valued and supported within the wider community,” Ms Robbs said.
“The mentoring and community support offered by this program has a proven track record of helping to build trust and a sense of belonging for our young people, while structured mentoring helps youth set goals and develop life skills.”
The Staying on Track program aims to:
Provide culturally informed mentoring and support
Build on the strengths of young people and natural systems that influence their behaviour
Build pathways to education and employment
Strengthen family and community connections
Equip caregivers with the skills needed to be long term change agents with respect to their child’s behaviour
Offer trauma-informed care and guidance
For all media enquiries, please email: media@lwb.org.au.
Related links