The JAS is part of a larger youth organization known as Youth and Family Service which was started in 1983 in response to the needs of disadvantaged youth. Since 1988, the JAS has intervened positively in the lives of young people involved in Australia's juvenile justice system. The service is heavily involved in preventive work for youth at risk. It works closely with other youth organizations, and JAS workers are available to attend police interviews where they assume the role of independent persons monitoring police procedures. Several support services are offered by the JAS for both youth and parents. JAS staff are also active in efforts to reform the juvenile justices system; they were particularly instrumental in establishing the Youth Justice Coalition of Queensland. Another JAS initiative is the establishment of youth/community police liaison meetings in the Logan and North Albert areas. These meetings attempt to promote better relations between police and youth and also serve to monitor the treatment of young people by police. 1 reference