Creating safer pathways for young people: Inside the Deadly Diversions program
Through the Youth Aboriginal Community Court Adelaide (YACCA), Kids First Australia’s Deadly Diversions program is supporting young people to reconnect with culture, strengthen identity and build pathways beyond the justice system.
At the heart of Kids First Australia’s Deadly Diversions program is a simple belief: when young people are supported with culture, connection and consistent relationships, new futures become possible.
Delivered alongside the Youth Aboriginal Community Court Adelaide (YACCA), Deadly Diversions provides culturally centred youth coaching for Aboriginal young people navigating the justice system. The program focuses on helping young people reconnect with identity, develop emotional regulation skills and build the confidence to shape their own futures.
Over the two-year pilot, 19 young people were supported through the program, with engagement periods ranging from three to fifteen months.
The results highlight the potential of culturally grounded diversion approaches. Of the 19 young people who participated in the program, 16 completed Deadly Diversions — and all of those who completed avoided a custodial sentence.
Deadly Diversions uses an assertive outreach coaching model, meeting young people where they feel most comfortable whether at home, in community spaces or alongside other support services. Over the pilot period, staff travelled more than 20,000 kilometres to ensure young people remained connected and supported.
Through regular coaching sessions, young people develop goals across key life areas including education, employment, health and cultural connection. The approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based and grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing and being.
Young people themselves describe the impact clearly:
“They gave me really good support and helped me succeed with things that will make a difference for my future. I felt encouraged every step of the way.”
Alongside individual coaching, the program works closely with families, community members and justice partners to ensure young people are supported both during and beyond their time in the court program.
For many participants, Deadly Diversions becomes a turning point helping them stay out of custody, reconnect with community and begin building a positive future.
For those interested in understanding how the Youth Aboriginal Community Court operates, the South Australian Courts have developed community-facing resources explaining the program and its role in supporting young people. Learn more about the Youth Aboriginal Community Court (YACCA)