The Hon. Jihad Dib MP Visits Taldumande Youth Services to Learn About Crisis and Youth Justice Programs
Taldumande Youth Services was pleased to welcome The Hon. Jihad Dib MP, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, and Minister for Emergency Services, for a visit last week to meet with frontline staff and hear firsthand about the organisation’s work supporting some of Sydney’s most vulnerable young people.
During the visit, Taldumande CEO Lisa Graham provided the Minister with an overview of the organisation’s youth justice programs, including the Short Term Remand (STR) initiative and the Bail and Accommodation Support Service (BASS). Lisa outlined how these programs support young people who are at risk of entering—or already connected to—the youth justice system, offering individualised case management, advocacy, and safe, stable accommodation pathways. The STR team, inclusive of Janet Killgallon, Manager, Whole of Government Initiatives Team at Youth Justice NSW, also attended the meeting. They shared insights on the success of the STR pilot program, highlighting how Taldumande’s hands-on involvement—from intensive case management to tailored support plans—has contributed to improved outcomes for young people on remand, including reduced reoffending, better engagement with education and training, and stronger connections to stable housing and community supports.
Frontline staff briefed Minister Dib on the Under 16s Refuge, one of the few crisis accommodation options in NSW for children aged 12–15. The team discussed the growing demand for services, the complexity of referrals, and the profound impact of trauma on the experiences of young people entering crisis accommodation and remand settings. Staff emphasised the importance of strong community partnerships and coordinated, wraparound support, highlighting Taldumande’s extensive collaboration with multiple Youth Justice offices across Sydney, demonstrating the breadth and reach of their work supporting young people throughout the city.
Throughout the visit, Minister Dib expressed appreciation for the expertise and dedication of Taldumande’s team and acknowledged the critical role organisations like Taldumande play in keeping young people safe, stabilised, and connected to positive pathways.
Taldumande Youth Services thanks Minister Dib for his time and genuine interest, and looks forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government to strengthen support for at-risk children and young people across the community.