Will* was only 15, but he was becoming increasingly reckless and withdrawn.
“My mum was scared I was going to end up in jail,” Will remembers of that time in his life.
“My relationships with my friends and family were horrible. Plus, I didn’t like school and I didn’t go much at all.”
Soon, Will came into contact with the justice system. After one incident, he was served with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) – a court order that restricts the behaviour of someone who has hurt, intimidated, harassed or stalked another person.
In NSW, the maximum penalty for violating an AVO is a $5,500 fine or two years’ imprisonment.
“I was also placed on a good behaviour bond and ordered to go back to school,” Will elaborates.
The school he enrolled in was Craig Davis College – one of the six registered an accredited independent high schools operated by Youth Off The Streets.
Discover Youth Off The Streets’ independent high schools and alternative education model
Named for our long-time supporter and current Board Director Craig Davis, the college offers an alternative pathway for students in Years 9–12 who have become disconnected from mainstream education.
Young people in the juvenile justice system usually do not complete their education due to complex needs that are often left unaddressed.
Craig Davis College promotes student engagement, self-esteem and community-mindedness to rectify this issue.
“At Youth Off The Streets, we put students’ wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do,” says School Principal John Martin.
“My colleagues always say that our education offers students flexible ways to be supported and achieve their best.
“We have the autonomy and expertise to adjust and modify when we need to.”
Will knew that, unlike his previous school, Craig Davis College could provide an individual learning plan that recognised his unique life circumstances and involvement in the youth justice system.
However, readjusting to full-time schooling wasn’t easy.
“The first five weeks were the most difficult,” Will says.
“I didn’t realise at the time just how valuable school could be to me, so I struggled to attend.”
However, Will soon realised that the AVO and good behaviour bond weren’t going away. He needed to give his education – and his future – a second chance.
“The teachers at school were very patient and understanding of my situation,” Will says.
“Everyone at Craig Davis believed in me. I’ve never had that many people care for me like that before.”
Will worked with the teachers and support staff to ease his transition back into full-time schooling.
“They slowly allowed me to attend school – first through half-days. Then, I attended more each day until eventually I stayed for the whole eight hours.”
Will believes that the support from the Craig Davis College team and his fellow students changed his perspective on life.
“I felt a sense of belonging that I’d never felt previously,” Will says.
“The teachers developed a personal learning strategy for me and, over time, I started to feel like I had a chance at a healthy future. I was finally learning.”
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As Will recommitted to his education, he began to change for the better.
“Attending a school that paid attention to me was a real turning point,” Will says. “I needed that.”
As Will approached the end of his first year at Craig Davis College, the good behaviour bond expired. So did the AVO – and he hasn’t been subject to any disciplinary action since.
“Because the staff at the college believed in me, I realised that, eventually, I could transition into an apprenticeship,” Will explains.
“I’m currently enrolled in a Certificate II Construction course, which I’m completing while still attending school.”
“I’ll have a qualification when I graduate, which means I can get a job.”
Youth Off The Streets offers various options for young people who are hoping to upskill, obtain apprenticeships or master a trade. Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) provides online and in-person learning opportunities.
Through our RTO, students can also undertake Certificates in Youth Work and Community Services, learn how to recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence, and engage respectfully with diverse people.
This vocational training is all designed to enhance young people’s work-readiness and help them successfully gain and sustain employment.
“Since I’ve been enrolled at a school I liked, I’ve stopped being violent,” says Will.
“I’ve made friends and, best of all, my relationship skills have improved.”
“I’d like to thank the teachers and everyone who has allowed a place like this to exist.”
*Name and image changed to protect the privacy of the young person