A proud mother of four, Jade began her journey in the justice sector nearly a decade ago, transitioning from roles at Legal Aid and as a Judicial Support Officer in the Kimberley.
Her career has taken her through senior positions in Halls Creek and Kununurra, resulting in her successful appointment as Manager through a statewide selection pool. Now based in the Geraldton office, Jade finds inspiration in her team’s shared commitment.
“We have great people in our team. Everyone is so passionate about helping young people, who are essentially the most vulnerable members of our society,” she says.
The team covers a vast geographical area, ranging from Jurien Bay to Exmouth and inland to Meekatharra navigating both logistical challenges and the complex needs of the communities they serve. Despite occasional setbacks, Jade emphasises the importance of resilience and celebrating achievements.
“We nominated one of our Senior YJOs, Jessica Featherstone, for this year’s Australasian Youth Justice Association Awards. She had no idea- it was a complete surprise for her!”
Jade acknowledges the demanding nature of Youth Justice work and the need to recognise outstanding contributions.
“Of course, most of the great work happens unseen, but hopefully, we make a difference in a young person’s life.”
She highlights the key qualities Youth Justice Officers (YJOs) must bring to the role, which include openness, transparency, and a genuine passion for helping young people transform their lives.
“We work with many diverse cultures, so staff need to be understanding of people’s backgrounds and situations. Our clients often face complex, intergenerational trauma, so while hard skills are important, soft skills are essential.”
When asked what makes a successful and fulfilled YJO, Jade reflects:
“You need to be able to build relationships and trust. That’s how you influence young people and help them make better choices.”
“I feel very privileged to be in this role, whether as a YJO or a manager. It’s an honour to work in this space and have such a grassroots impact on making a difference.”
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