Youth Justice Setting
We deliver a comprehensive gardening project to young people in the justice system
Our Process
The Sprout Connect Justice Program is an evidence-informed, garden-based learning model that supports young people in justice settings through identity, resilience, responsibility, and future pathway development. At the centre of the program is the grow bag garden — a simple, flexible and practical learning space where young people prepare soil, plant seedlings, water, observe growth, solve problems, and care for something living.
This stage supports resilience, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. The grow bag garden becomes a living example of how growth can still happen under pressure, even when space is limited, weather changes, soil conditions vary, or plants face stress. These lessons are connected to real-life challenges such as anger, conflict, disappointment, peer pressure, and decision-making. Young people learn that setbacks are not the end of the story; they are part of the growth process. With routine, support, care, and practical tools, participants begin to develop healthier ways to respond to pressure and manage life’s challenges.
Step 1This stage focuses on identity, belonging, and self-awareness. Through setting up their grow bag garden, storytelling, cultural reflection, and guided conversation, young people are supported to explore who they are, where they come from, and what strengths they already carry. The grow bag becomes more than a container; it becomes a personal space for care, patience, and reflection. Many young people in justice settings have experienced disconnection from culture, family, education, and community. This stage helps rebuild trust, confidence, and purpose by showing that, with the right conditions, every young person has the capacity to grow.
Step 2This stage focuses on goal-setting, transition, leadership, and pathways beyond custody. Young people reflect on what they have learned through the grow bag garden, identify their strengths, and explore opportunities connected to horticulture, landscaping, food systems, training, volunteering, education, employment, and community leadership. A key focus is supporting participants to connect with meaningful opportunities upon release, including community gardens, further study, work experience, and local food or farming projects. Harvesting is not only about produce; it is about recognising confidence, discipline, direction, and growth. The aim is to help young people keep growing beyond the gate
Step 3This stage focuses on teamwork, communication, responsibility, and positive relationships. Young people work together to care for grow bags, maintain garden spaces, share tasks, monitor plant progress, and reflect on the value of contribution. The program encourages participants to understand that community is built through respect, consistency, accountability, and shared purpose. In the garden, young people practise listening, cooperation, leadership, and trust in a practical and meaningful way. The grow bag garden becomes a place where responsibility is visible, relationships can be repaired, and young people can experience the impact of working alongside others.
Step 4What People Are Saying
“Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.”
Former Customer“Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around.”
Former Customer
“Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome.”
Former Customer
Volunteering or Employment Opportunities.
You can help stop the roller door of recidivism by offering them opportunity to volunteer in your garden, learn skills anf help employ them. You can donate to Sprout Connect to continue to reach out through the vehicle of horticulture to more young people.
Career Progression Pathways
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