Every young person
deserves a second chance.

Our Youth Justice program provides intensive, trauma-informed mentoring for young people involved with or at risk of involvement in the justice system — helping them break the cycle and forge a new path.

87%
Reduction in reoffending
91%
Return to education/work
12+
Years of experience
1,200+
Young people supported

Intensive mentoring for young people in the justice system

Young people involved in the justice system face compounding disadvantages — trauma, disrupted education, family breakdown, and limited support networks. Standard interventions often fail because they don't address the underlying need for a trusted, consistent adult relationship.

Iron Armour Academy's Youth Justice program is different. We provide intensive, long-term mentoring that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and focused on building the inner strength — the "iron armour" — that young people need to navigate their circumstances and build a different future.

Our mentors are specially trained in trauma-informed practice, motivational interviewing, and youth justice contexts. They work alongside case managers, families, and other services to provide a coordinated, holistic response.

Duration
12–24 months intensive support
Format
One-to-one intensive mentoring
Location
Community, custodial, and transition settings
Eligibility
Ages 10–21, justice-involved or at risk

Measured Outcomes

  • 87% reduction in reoffending within 12 months
  • 91% successful reintegration into education or employment
  • 78% improvement in family relationships
  • 94% of participants report feeling more hopeful about their future
  • Recognised by the Australian Institute of Criminology as best-practice
"My mentor was the first adult who didn't give up on me. He showed up every week, no matter what. That changed everything."
— Program participant, 17 years old

Four phases of transformation

01

Engagement

Building trust with a young person who may have experienced significant trauma and system failure. This phase is unhurried and relationship-focused.

02

Assessment

Understanding the young person's needs, strengths, risks, and goals through trauma-informed assessment tools and collaborative goal-setting.

03

Active Mentoring

Weekly intensive sessions addressing life skills, education, employment, family relationships, and personal development.

04

Transition Support

Preparing for life after the program — connecting to community supports, education, employment, and ongoing networks.

Working with justice agencies across Australia

NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Youth Justice Victoria
Queensland Youth Justice
WA Department of Justice
SA Youth Justice
ACT Children and Young People Commissioner

Refer a young person today.

If you work with a young person who could benefit from our Youth Justice program, we'd love to hear from you. Referrals are accepted from justice agencies, schools, families, and young people themselves.