Alberts/The Tony Foundation are proud to share two new evaluations by @Big hART about the vital role that music plays in reducing involvement with the justice system for Indigenous young people.
Music has long been recognised as an important resource for youth identity construction, emotional regulation, and social connection. Music leads to a strengths-based experience of creative fulfilment, cultural connection, and wellbeing in those who participate.
The creative process of participating in music leads to benefits for justice-involved youth, including a reduction in aggression, self-harm, and violence, and the support of self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and promotion of pro-social coping skills, self-regulation, and empathy. As a distinct form of self expression that fosters a sense of belonging, music programs are effective in strengthening cultural identity and supporting positive identity-development amongst marginalised groups.
The two evaluations below sit side-by-side and highlight the vital role that music plays in reducing involvement with the justice system for Indigenous young people:
CREATIVE PATHWAYS FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE: The power of music in youth justice settings
*‘Inyaart’ and ‘Binka’ mean gift or exchange. Inyaart is Yindjibarndi and Binka is Ngarluma. John Pat was Yindjibarndi, and lived on Ngarluma country in the Pilbara WA.
