A connected youth Justice system

The painting depicts a positive view of people working together to provide support for young people. 

Each circle represents a community in Central Australia with the largest circle, Alice Springs, in the middle.

Young People are situated at the centre of each of the circles and are the focus of each community. 

They are surrounded by the adults, parents, community elders and professionals all working together to protect them so they can grow up safe and strong.

Each of the communities are connected to one another showing not only the way land is connected but also the way people are connected thorough family and relationship too.

Young people and their supports need to be connected over the Central Desert area so they can have continued, consistent care on country and in Alice Springs.

This understands that its everyone’s responsibility to make sure kids have the supports they need to stay safe and keep on the right path.    

Our thanks to Pat Ansell Dodds who painted this positive view of Youth Justice in Central Australia

Pat Ansell Dodds is a respected Elder of the Arrernte people and a Traditional Owner of Undoolya (Eastern Alice Springs).

Pat is also a member of the Strong Grandmothers Group and is a regular contributor to CAYJ