Youth at Risk

Endorsed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

The ACMF has music programs operating in over half of the Juvenile Detention centres across Australia where we provide free weekly tuition and free instruments.

The ACMF does not begin a program in any centre until we have sufficient funds to remain for a minimum period of 12 months. We believe this is crucial to obtain optimum results. It is our aim to make these programs permanent in every Juvenile Detention Centre in Australia.

This program introduces music to juveniles in detention centres and youth centres. Statistics identify that most youth in detention come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds (many of whom are Indigenous). These youth have been denied opportunities, including education and general welfare and have been inspired only by negative influences.  Music can be a pro-social alternative to a cycle of offending and abuse. It can reach those who have become ‘disengaged’, improve motivation, self-discipline, communication and enhance learning skills. 

Often, these youths have been homeless and many have lost parents through unfortunate circumstances. We believe that it is important for The ACMF to show faith in them. The majority of these youth have few possessions of any value. Therefore, whenever possible, when released from detention, The ACMF donates the instrument permanently to the student.

The ACMF staff are passionate, motivated and experienced and able to teach a variety of programs at these Centres.

The NSW Department of Juvenile Justice has endorsed our programs operating in the centres. Early in 2007 the then NSW Juvenile Justice Minister, The Hon. Tony Kelly, wrote to each state minister urging them to fund our services. One of Australia's leading music academics, Professor Margaret Barrett, approached us having heard about our work, and is writing a paper on her personal belief in the importance of our organisation. Prof. Barrett is also doing a research paper on the Tasmanian Juvenile Detention centre for the Australia Council.

We have already recorded a radio program for Juvenile Detention Centres and will be developing this further.