Katherine’s Youth Outreach Team has seen a busy first two months on the ground building relationships with NGOs, Police, Schools and young people, as part of the Territory Labor Government’s $18.2 million overhaul of its broken youth justice system.
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Member for Katherine Sandra Nelson met with the Youth Outreach Workers at the weekend and said their presence is starting to have a positive impact on the town.
“Our Government has listened and taken action to create safer and stronger communities by investing in more resources and frontline staff to address the causes of social dysfunction,” Ms Nelson said.
“There is no single initiative that will address Katherine’s youth crime issue – it takes both immediate and longer-term measures that can suit a range of circumstances.
“The Youth Outreach Team has already been working with local NGOs, engaging with youth and attending local events like the Katherine Show and Barunga Festival as part of their early strategy to build positive relationships with young people.”
Five Youth Outreach Workers make up the Katherine team, with diverse backgrounds and experience in social work and youth services.
The youth outreach initiative suffered a blow to its reputation last month when one of its number fronted local court and admitted taking drugs.
That person was sacked from his job and has since been replaced.
Ms Nelson said the Youth Outreach Team will work with youth through diversion programs and after-hours activities to stop crime before it even happens, as well as providing individualised support to young people out of detention to ensure they don’t reoffend.
“The Youth Outreach Workers will support the delivery of diversionary programs like Operation Flinders, announced by our Government last week,” Ms Nelson said.
“We know that the best way to break the cycle of crime is to invest in preventative strategies and tough, but fair rehabilitative programs.
“There are many ways for young people to enter the youth justice system, but not a lot of ways for them to successfully find a way out.
“This Government’s $18.2 million overhaul of the youth justice system is about stopping crime before it happens and reducing the rate of re-offending.”
The youth outreach initiative suffered a blow to its reputation last month when one of its numbers fronted local court and admitted taking drugs.
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
