June 2026
International Learning Mission
Not a holiday. A research mission to learn from youth justice systems that actually work—and bring those lessons back to Australia.
Why We're Going
Australia locks up young people at rates that would shock most Europeans. In Queensland, Brisbane Youth Detention costs $2,355 per day and has an 84% reoffending rate.
Meanwhile, countries like Spain achieve 73% success rates with3% reoffending—at a fraction of the cost. The Netherlands has one of the lowest youth incarceration rates in the world.
These aren't just statistics. They represent thousands of young lives. And they prove that better systems are possible.
Australia vs. International Models
| Aspect | Australia | International |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Cost | $2,355 per day (Brisbane Youth Detention) | $150-400 per day (community-based models) |
| Reoffending Rate | 84% within 2 years (Brisbane) | 3-27% (varies by model) |
| Default Response | Detention for serious offences | Community-based alternatives for most |
| Focus | Punishment and control | Rehabilitation and reintegration |
| Family Connection | Often disrupted | Preserved and strengthened |
Where We're Going
Spain
Diagrama Foundation
Spain's Diagrama Foundation operates a model where young people live in small group homes rather than detention centres. The focus is on education, therapy, and reintegration—not punishment.
What We'll Learn:
- →Small group homes vs. large detention centres
- →Therapeutic rather than punitive approach
- →Education and vocational training as core
- →Family reintegration support
Netherlands
Youth Care & Justice System
The Netherlands has one of the lowest youth incarceration rates in Europe. Their system prioritizes diversion, community-based programs, and keeping young people connected to family and school.
What We'll Learn:
- →Diversion as default, not exception
- →Community-based alternatives infrastructure
- →Family-centered intervention models
- →Integration with education and employment
Norway
Bastøy Prison & Youth System
Norway's approach treats young people with dignity even when they've caused harm. The focus is on what happened to the young person, not just what they did.
What We'll Learn:
- →Dignity-centered justice approach
- →Understanding trauma and circumstances
- →Restorative practices integration
- →Long-term outcomes focus
What We're Bringing Back
This isn't tourism. It's research with deliverables that will shape JusticeHub and potentially influence Australian youth justice policy.
- 1Video documentary series: Interviews with international practitioners, young people, and system leaders
- 2"What Australia Can Learn" report: Specific recommendations transferable to Australian context
- 3Partnership agreements: Formal relationships for ongoing knowledge exchange
- 4Platform features: International comparison tools on JusticeHub
Trip Timeline
Spain
Diagrama Foundation, Madrid
Netherlands
Youth Justice & Care system
Norway (TBC)
Bastøy and youth models
Returns: July 2026 with findings published by September 2026
How This Connects to Everything
PRF Fellowship
International learnings inform the second half of the research—testing whether Australian communities can adopt and adapt global best practices.
Mindaroo Funding
Year 2 scaling is shaped by international insights. What works elsewhere? What needs Australian adaptation?
JusticeHub Platform
New features: International comparison tools, "Could this work here?" analysis, and global best practice database.
Follow the Journey
We'll be documenting everything—video interviews, written reflections, and real-time updates from the road.