Hi, I'm Ryan.
I'm a worker with the
Youth Justice Service.
If you are watching this
you've probably been introduced
to your own worker,
and asked do something with them
called a Prevention
and Diversion Assessment.
I know that sounds pretty formal.
But I'm going to explain
what it is
and why it's a good thing.
So what is a Prevention
and Diversion Assessment?
This assessment is just a way
for your worker to
understand you better:
what's going well,
what feel tricky,
and what support could help.
It's not about judging you
and it's not a test.
It is a meeting
to create an action plan
that will support you
and your future.
Where does it happen?
You'll meet with your worker
either at home,
at school,
in the youth justice office,
or another safe space
where you feel comfortable.
Your parent, carer,
or another adult you trust
may come along too.
Sometimes,
your worker might also
speak separately
with people who know you,
like teachers or health workers,
to help learn about you
and build your plan.
What will we talk about?
You'll talk about different things
that make up your life.
Like who you are
and what matters to you.
Your family,
friends,
school
and health.
Your experience
of what happened,
why it happened
and what's happened to you since.
And what you'd like to
be different in life
and how to reach your goals.
How will it feel?
It should feel like a friendly chat.
If it's a long conversation,
you can take breaks
or do one bit at a time.
To help you share your thoughts
you might use things like
drawing,
writing
or fidget toys.
And
you'll be encouraged
to ask questions
speak your mind
and suggest any changes
to the plan.
What happens after?
Your worker will write
everything up into the plan.
The plan will only be shared
with you, your parent or carer,
and the Youth Justice Service.
The only reason
your worker might share
other information
is if you
or someone else isn't safe,
and they need to help
keep people safe.
The most important thing though
is that your plan is built with you
around your strengths
and what really matters to you.
It's about helping you move forward.
And have a say in your future.