Harrison M1, Shepherd S1, Trounson J1, Eades S2, Gubhaju L2, Williamson A3, Ivers R5, Eades F4, Williams R4
1Swinburne University, 2University of Melbourne, 3University of Technology Sydney, 4Curtin University, 5University of New South Wales
Biography:
Maicee Harrison is a PhD student at Swinburne University of Technology, within the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science in Melbourne. She also works as a research assistant at Swinburne, across a number of projects. Ms. Harrison has particular research interests in miscarriages of justice and preventing justice system involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from a strength-based perspective.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander are highly overrepresented within the justice system, accounting for over 50% of the Australian juvenile detention population. Previous research highlights the potential influence that Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) could have over justice system involvement. The Next Generation Project produced a Youth Well-being Study survey whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 10 to 15 years respondent to survey items relating to aspects of SEWB and justice involvement. Data from 725 of these young people was utilised within a study investigating if SEWB influenced the likelihood of justice system involvement or non-involvement. This presentation will include an exploration of the background and key concepts behind the study and an explanation of the design, methods, results, and outcomes. The presentation will also discuss how the findings can inform justice reinvestment targets aimed at preventing young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from becoming involved with the justice system.