What is JusticeHub?
Transforming Youth Justice Through Innovation and Community Action
JusticeHub has a mission to revolutionise Australia's youth justice system. By combining digital innovation, community wisdom, and evidence-based practices, we're creating a more effective, compassionate, and just approach to supporting our young people.
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The Challenge We Face
Unsustainable Costs
$1.6 billion spent annually on youth justice, with $2,827 per day to detain a single youth. This massive investment yields poor outcomes, straining public resources without addressing root causes.
High Recidivism Rates
53% of young offenders return to supervision within a year, rising to 64% for Indigenous youth. This cycle perpetuates disadvantage and increases long-term societal costs.
Community
Impact
Areas with high youth crime rates see decreased social cohesion, economic strain, and intergenerational cycles of offending. This affects everything from local business growth to community trust.
If left unaddressed, these challenges will have far-reaching consequences. Youth in the system face severe mental health issues, educational disruption, and reduced lifetime earning potential. Communities experience a decline in civic engagement, cultural disconnection, and diminished economic growth. The next generation inherits increased poverty, lower academic performance, and reduced community resilience. By acting now, we can break this cycle and foster thriving, innovative communities for the future.
JusticeHub aims to lift the burden from grassroots organisations, allowing them to focus on real change in their communities. We support a shared services system of tools, resources and support needed to amplify their impact and streamline their operations.

Research and Testing
Synthesising research and best practices to inform grassroots strategies. Offering templates and frameworks to simplify reporting and impact measurement
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Stories
Storytelling support to showcase grassroots successes. Training in effective communication and advocacy techniques. Platforms to share lived experiences and influence decision making.
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JusticeHub Platform
Scaling successful local programs through resource sharing and mentorship. Facilitating peer-to-peer learning between grassroots organisations.

Justice Economies
Connecting grassroots leaders with tech experts, researchers, and policymakers. Fostering partnerships to address common challenges. Creating a supportive network for ongoing collaboration and growth.
Diagrama: Bridging Global Expertise with Local Wisdom
The Diagrama Foundation's approach forms the backbone of the Justice Co-Lab, offering a unique blend of international best practices and deep respect for local, particularly Indigenous, knowledge and solutions.
Diagrama centres create nurturing, education-focused environments that promote personal growth and rehabilitation, rather than punishment. This approach has shown to significantly reduce recidivism rates. By shifting from a punitive mindset to one of healing and development, young people are given the opportunity to address underlying issues, build self-esteem, and develop essential life skills. The physical spaces are designed to feel more like schools or homes than detention facilities, fostering a sense of safety and possibility. This environment encourages young people to take ownership of their rehabilitation journey, leading to more sustainable positive outcomes.
The model addresses all aspects of a young person's life - emotional, educational, social, and vocational - providing comprehensive support for successful reintegration into society. Recognising that youth offending often stems from complex, interconnected challenges, Diagrama offers tailored interventions that go beyond addressing criminal behaviour. This includes trauma-informed care, formal education and skills training, emotional regulation techniques, and opportunities for positive social interactions. By nurturing the whole person, the model equips young people with a robust toolkit for navigating life's challenges and pursuing positive pathways upon their return to the community.
Diagrama recognises that lasting change requires strong support networks. It actively involves families and communities in the rehabilitation process, ensuring sustainable positive outcomes. This approach acknowledges that young people don't exist in isolation, but are part of broader social systems. Family therapy sessions, community mentorship programs, and gradual reintegration initiatives are key components. By strengthening these connections and providing support to families as well, Diagrama creates a more supportive environment for young people to return to, significantly improving their chances of successful reintegration and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Every staff member, from leadership to support roles, is trained in the therapeutic approach, creating a consistent, supportive environment that reinforces positive change. This comprehensive training ensures that every interaction a young person has within the centre is an opportunity for growth and learning. Staff are equipped with skills in conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, and positive reinforcement techniques. This consistent approach helps build trust and creates a culture of respect and personal responsibility. Moreover, by empowering all staff as change agents, the model creates a more fulfilling work environment, leading to higher staff retention and a more stable, effective rehabilitation program.
Integrating Diagrama with Australian Communities

Collaborative Adaptation
Working with Indigenous leaders and community organisations to tailor the Diagrama model to local contexts. Ensuring that international best practices complement, not override, local solutions.

Two-Way Knowledge Exchange
Facilitating dialogue between Australian Indigenous communities and Diagrama experts. Creating platforms for local wisdom to inform and enhance the Diagrama approach.

Community-Driven Impact Showcase
Documenting successes through the lens of community-defined metrics and storytelling. Amplifying local voices in advocating for wider adoption of effective practices
The Justice Co-Lab, inspired by Diagrama, is not about imposing external solutions. Instead, we're creating a framework where international expertise meets and elevates local wisdom. Our goal is to catalyze a movement that truly reflects Australia's diverse communities, especially honouring Indigenous knowledge in reshaping our youth justice system.
Connecting Communities: A Network for Justice Reinvestment
We're building a nationwide network to connect and amplify the efforts of 26 communities across Australia that are leading justice reinvestment initiatives. Our goal is to create a platform for sharing knowledge, stories, and solutions in youth justice reform.



Support Our Vision
Help us transform youth justice in Australia over the next 5 years. Your support can make a real difference:
Year 1 Goal: $500,000
Fund initial seed developments and community outreach
Develop our digital platform
Hire key staff and support the story of Justice co-lab
