Dr Kristie took out the Exceptional Practice (Individual) category for her work into risk and needs assessment for Indigenous populations which is used to guide intervention with young offenders.
She has adapted an international screening tool, which was developed in the United States, to suit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in Western Australia.
It’s used to identify what is needed to help each individual offender.
“I love working with young people,” Dr Kristie said. “They’re really complex and it’s challenging, but it is a passion of mine and I think we have a real opportunity to make a difference, so they don’t end up in the adult system.”
“When a young person comes to us, we need to assess what their needs are and what do we need to do to support them to stop offending,” she said.
Dr Kristie’s research aims to cut the reoffending rate of young people and lead the world in the adaption of risk/needs assessments for Indigenous populations.
She has also developed and implemented a statewide training program for the Department of Justice’s Youth Justice staff on how to use the screening tool.
Deputy Commissioner for Young People Rick Curtis said the tool not only benefits the young people and their families, but also the community.
“The passion Dr Kristie has for the young people involved with the youth justice system is commendable,” Mr Curtis said. “Her work delivers measurable outcomes which provide young people with the opportunity to make positive and long-lasting changes in their lives.”
The Department’s team of Aboriginal Youth Support Officers at Banksia Hill Detention Centre were also recognised for the cultural support they deliver to young offenders.
They were finalists at the AYJA Awards for their outstanding dedication and commitment to young people in custody.
And last year the Goldfields Youth Justice Service team was awarded for their work keeping children out of custody and reducing youth offending statistics.
The team regularly travels over 1,000km to access young people and their families in remote communities.
