NRL legend Jonathan Thurston is expanding one of his JT Academy programs that first started in Logan.
The JTYouGotThis program, first delivered in 17 locations across Queensland, including Logan, has been deemed so successful it has prompted the state government to get involved.
The government announced a $4.73 million investment in this year’s state budget to support the expansion and improvement of the program.
Originally a four-day intensive, the now 10-week program will consist of helping at-risk young people through goal setting, mentoring, cultural engagement, and post-program support.
The new and improved program will start in Cairns, and is intended to work its way down south.
The efficacy of JTYouGotThis was evaluated by the University of the Sunshine Coast, which found the program helped reduce offending and improved young people’s relationship with police.
Evidence shows participants are re-engaging with school, getting driver’s licences and some have even returned to the program as mentors.
Participants are referred to the program through consultation between police and the Department of Youth Justice consultion.
“The larger roll out of the You Got This Program will see participants have up to 50 hours of face to face time,” Mr Thurston said.
“We’ve seen how good the behavioural change already is, so now with the 10 week program having over 50 hours of face to face time will see a lot better behavioural change.
“These kids come from tough background and the JT Academy wraps their arms around them – it’s the hook to get them in before we talk to them about values, what they want to do with their life and what they want to achieve.
“This program has been very successful and it’s great we can work together to roll this out.”
