Tough love programs not the best for trouble kids experts say, as calls for Tassie programs ignored

Multiple organisations have pushed for a Tasmanian-based bush therapy – similar to the controversial Brahminy program in the Northern Territory – but the programs have never launched.

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LOCAL alternatives were available for the controversial Brahminy program and tough love programs usually didn’t work, the Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy says.

The government is paying $274,000 per child per year to place six Tasmanian children to participate in the Northern Territory program which uses “tough love techniques” for children who are not suited to mainstream programs.

“AABAT is aware that member organisations based in Tasmania have requested a meeting with the Tasmanian Government to offer their expertise and discuss capacity to deliver Tasmanian-based therapy and healing for young people who have already experienced multiple adversities,” the organisation said in a statement.

The Mercury understands that local groups have not been able to secure a meeting with Community Services Minister Roger Jaensch.

Proponents for alternatives have been unable to secure a meeting with Minister Roger Jaensch, they say.

“Interventions that use nature-based therapy can be a highly engaging, motivating and appropriate form of intervention for young people,” the AABAT statement said.

“However, effectiveness declines and there is potential for negative outcomes if interventions are not designed and delivered appropriately.

“Many ‘bootcamp’ style programs fall into this category. Programs that emphasise punitive and coercive approaches are not considered psychologically safe for this target group.”

Labor leader Rebecca White on Wednesday repeated calls for the children to be brought home. She said she was aware of good programs in Tasmania who had not heard from the government.

“We still remain very concerned about the welfare of those children, given the allegations that have been made about that program, and the minister Roger Jaensch needs to immediately bring those children home while he conducts another review into a program that we’ve been raising concern about for years,” Ms White said.

Labor leader Rebecca White has continued the push to return the Tasmanian children in the Northern Territory bootcamp. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The state government said it had committed to engage and work with Aboriginal communities and organisations to scope an ‘on country’ residential program delivered in Tasmania by Aboriginal people.

“In 2018 the government examined opportunities for the development of a program in Tasmania to deliver similar outcomes to the MC1D program,” a government spokeswoman said.

“This included a request for information process which unfortunately did not identify any suitable programs that could deliver intensive therapeutic placement support to high risk children in out-of-home care that is required.”

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