FORUM: “Maximising the Potential of African Youth:
A Community Model to Bolster Health and Legal Support”

This one-day forum explored the interface between the African Community and the criminal justice system, with a view to building understanding and partnerships with government organisations, NGOs, service providers, corporations, justice organisations, Victoria Police and the wider community, and established a basis for future co-operation.

The forum was held at Victoria University in Melbourne CBD.  About a hundred people came.  Participants included Dr. Berhan Ahmed, Helen Szoke, Chief Conciliator/Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Mr Tim Lee, Executive Director, Community Operations and Strategy, Department of Justice, Father Peter Norden, Convenor, Victorian Criminal Justice Coalition, Ms Anna Radonic Principal Solicitor, Youthlaw, Professor Felix Movondo from Monash University (an ATT board member), Mr. Haileleul Gebre-Selaisse (ATT Deputy Chairperson), and other senior management personnel from organisations such as Centrelink Multicultural Liaison and the Victoria Police, youth workers, outreach workers, media and public affairs people and many others who are actively involved in working with migrant communities. 

The forum also gave a chance for youth from the migrant communities to represent their experiences to these government and organsiational leaders.

The forum was a great success and participants felt that their understanding had been increased.  The forum was an opportunity for the establishment of links which can be developed in the future to improve the position of young people and ensure a fairer and better outcome from those that come into contact with the criminal justice system.

The original forum invitation and program are HERE.

Photos will be uploaded when available.