Renovation of hearts and minds

Behind the scenes of what seems to be ordinary home renovations in Kwinana, troubled young men are learning the skills to transform their lives for the better.

The home renovations are part of an Outcare program, aimed at repeat offenders aged 15 to 22, named Live Works.

Outcare chief executive Amanda Wheeler said the training and rehabilitation program engaged, trained and supported young indigenous men who had experienced the criminal justice system.

Ms Wheeler said the program gave youth the opportunity to achieve a certificate II in general construction, and Outcare helped to facilitate placements in traineeships, apprenticeships or other employment.

“We know this program works and we have wonderful success stories,” she said.

“It is about investing in their skills and diverting them from a path they would otherwise take.”

Live Works began in Midland in 2009 and was introduced to Kwinana in October.

Since then, 20 Kwinana youth have taken part in the program and four Department of Housing homes have been renovated.

Working on tidying up the backyard of a Leda home, three young men, who are almost midway through the 20-week program, spoke about their experiences.

They believed the program had inspired them to seek a future in the building industry.

“I reckon it is a good program, it is suitable for young kids who want to change their lives, and they should all get on board and do it,” one participant said.

They said the program kept them “occupied during the day” and “out of trouble”.

Outcare Live Works trainer Peter Sears said the program helped change habits, gave participants self-worth and built camaraderie.

“We just work with them... we try and build up trust — they have a mentor who does that; he is with them every day, and they just get to realise we are not there to screw them over, abuse them or get them doing something for nothing; they realise over time we do genuinely care about where they are going,” he said.

Mr Sears said the program provided second chances.

“Somebody once said to me, ‘what do you get out of it?’ and I said to them: ‘Even if one lad gets an apprenticeship at the end of a course, that is worth it for me,’” he said.

“You have to give them a go and you have to give them a chance to actually make that change.”

Kwinana Senior Sergeant Glen Willers said programs that reduced reoffending were welcomed by police.

“There is a lot more going on in this community than people know about, and that is always reassuring,” he said.

The program is made possible by the Department of Corrective Services and Department of Housing funding.