Every young person: safe, heard and supported
Campaigning for change
At YAC, we have been advocating for change regarding youth justice issues for over 40 years.
We engage in discussions on issues affecting young people, and provide expert opinions and experiences of young people to government and the community in order to bring about positive change.
Our research and policy work are informed by our casework, and by young people’s experiences, and we actively encourage young people to provide feedback on the services and systems that affect them to help inform this work.
Campaigns
A Right to Learn
The A Right to Learn campaign is publicly calling on the Queensland Government to
conduct an inquiry into the use of school disciplinary absences in Queensland State Schools after a Freedom of Information request revealed students with disability are disproportionately affected by unfair suspensions and expulsions.
Raise the Age
In 2020, a coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and legal, medical and human rights groups came together to form Raise the Age, a national campaign to push every single state, territory and federal government to change the laws so that children under 14 cannot be sent to prison.
Our publications
Other resources
- For a detailed overview of the failings of the Queensland youth justice system: Justice Reform Initiative - Queensland State of Incarceration
- For an overview of alternatives to incarceration in Queensland: Justice Reform Initiative - Alternatives to Incarceration for Queensland
How you can help:
We believe it is our responsibility as a community to come together to support vulnerable children and young people.
You can help our mission by:
- Following us on social media or join our mailing list to engage with the latest news and events
- Making a donation
- Sharing our cause with your friends or family
- Joining us at rallies and other events
Contact YAC
Address: Level 4, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane Q 4101
Phone: (07) 3356 1002
Business hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
If you need urgent assistance outside of these hours:
- Youth Legal Advice Hotline: 1800 527 527 (Mon to Thurs 8am - 9pm, Friday 8am to Sunday 5pm)
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24/7, 365 days per year)
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7, 365 days per year)
- Homelessness Hotline: 1800 474 753 (24/7, 365 days per year)
- Mental Health Services Acute Care Team: on 1300 MHCALL (1300 64 2255).
