The Community Justice Group (CJG) Program is a community driven response to local justice challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families. There are 52 CJGs across Queensland that utilise program funding to work with magistrates, police, and other agencies to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in contact with the justice system.
What Community Justice Groups aim to do
Locally recognised Elders and Respected persons lead CJGs alongside CJG staff and volunteers. The CJG Program is placed based which means that the services each CJG provides can be different across the state to meet the needs of the community.
However, most CJGs provide support during the court process including:
- preparing bail and sentencing submissions
- attending court sittings
- supporting victims and offenders in court
- referring individuals to support and legal services
- providing cultural advice and input on justice matters
Depending on what the community needs, some CJGs provide a variety of services including:
- crisis support and home visits
- parenting programs and youth activities
- on-country healing programs
- support for individuals transitioning from custody.
Specialised courts and programs
There are several justice initiatives that CJGs are funded for, including:
Framework for Stronger Community Justice Groups
The Framework for stronger Community Justice Groups (PDF, 5.9 MB) (the Framework) outlines the core functions of and broader role of CJGs within their communities across the key impact points of the criminal justice system including:
- Prevention, awareness and education
- Early intervention
- Within the court process
- While in custody and under supervision
- Transition from custody back into community.
The Framework also outlines the roles of government agencies in supporting CJGs to deliver justice-related outcomes in their communities.
Community Justice Group evaluation
Myuma Pty Ltd conducted the CJG program evaluation in three phases from 2021 to 2023.
Evaluation Phases:
- Community Justice Group Evaluation Report 1 (PDF, 4.5 MB): Focused on program implementation.
- Community Justice Group Evaluation Report 2 (PDF, 3.8 MB): Assessed service quality and outputs.
- Community Justice Group Evaluation Report 3 (PDF, 7.3 MB): Evaluated outcomes and impacts.
For earlier evaluations, see the 2010 KPMG report: Evaluation of the Community Justice Group Program - Final report (PDF, 863.7 KB)
Community reports
The community reports summarises how the evaluation was done and what was discovered including success stories about the impact that CJGs have across Queensland.
How to contact Community Justice Groups
For more information on CJGs contact the Indigenous Justice Program.
Alternatively, refer to the Queensland Community Justice Group Contact List (PDF, 412 KB) to connect with a group in a specific location (see below).
