Senior youth outreach officer for Katherine

The officers have expanded responsibilities and graduated from training last week to join the Youth Outreach and Re-engagement Teams (YORET), as part of the Government’s overhaul of the youth justice system.

Nine positions were created under the amendment to the Youth Justice Act which was passed in October and comes into effect on January 1.

The Senior YOREOs will provide supervision and case management support to youth on court-ordered supervision to engage them in positive behaviours through social activities, outreach programs, and other early intervention and/or diversionary measures.

Minister for Territory Families Dale Wakefield said that the work of the Senior YOREOs will be an important part of the Government’s Youth Justice Reform Strategy.

“Our reform strategy is to put kids on the right path and away from a lifetime of crime. This is an important part of our community safety plan and will make our justice system work more effectively,” Ms Wakefield said.

“We know that in order to achieve this, we need specialist workers who can proactively manage youth who are on court orders and help stop the cycle of reoffending.

“I congratulate all Senior YOREOs for completing their training and thank them for their passion and dedication to creating safer and vibrant communities for Territorians.”

The Senior YOREOs, who form part of the 52 Youth Diversion Workers announced by the Government early in 2017, will be dispatched to Alice Springs, Palmerston, Nhulunbuy, Katherine, and Tennant Creek.

They will start work in early January.