Young offenders in Port Augusta prison are on their way to earning their Bronze Award after the pilot of the Sierra Program, an initiative of The Duke of Ed in South Australia, was launched on the 30th July 2010.
The Sierra Program is being used as a new way to approach rehabilitation in young offenders, with 18 medium to high risk prisoners volunteering to take part in the program.
The decision by the prison to be involved in the program was based on international evidence that suggests participation in The Award can contribute to reducing the re-offending rates of young people.
Former Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis said "The demand from prisoners wanting to take part was extremely high. It's hoped they will emerge as more mature, self disciplined individuals, who are better equipped to re-enter the community.
"We want these young men to leave prison as better people than when they came in."
The Sierra Program will run for 25 weeks and Participants will graduate in January/February 2011.
