Legal Education and Awareness Project (LEAP) for Young People
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Overview
LEAP is a resourceful initiative which teaches young people from diverse backgrounds about Australian law.
What are the aims of the project?
The project delivers youth focused workshops on a range of legal topics that are relevant to young people, particularly those from new and emerging communities in South Australia.
The project also aims to provide young people with a forum to share their views about the law and access to the justice system and legal issues that may affect them.
What was involved?
One hour workshops are held for around 30 participants who are aged from 14 years old. One of the attractions of this program is the informal and interactive learning environment.
Facilitators combine a range of mediums that appeal to young people such as short films, case scenarios, role plays and group activities. This helps engage participants in a meaningful discussion about the law.
Some of the topics include rights and responsibilities, using public spaces, police powers, driving, reporting unfair treatment, personal safety, going to court and legal aid.
The program also provides legal training and seminars for youth workers and other professionals working across the youth sector on topics such as the Youth Court and how to help young people during police interviews.
Initially, the project was part funded by South Australia's Attorney-General's Department (Community Safety and Crime Prevention funding), but is now funded solely by the Legal Services Commission.
Who participated?
More than 450 young people from diverse backgrounds in Adelaide have participated in over 25 courses since the program started in September 2007.
What were the outcomes?
LEAP has attracted a high level of support from new migrant community groups, youth service providers and government departments.
The Legal Resources Kit and training modules for service providers working with newly arrived youth is available.
See: Legal Services Commission of South Australia
Where can I get more information?
Further information on this project is available.
Christian Cifuentes
Telephone: 08 8463 3699
Email: cifuentes.christian@saugov.sa.gov.au