The NT Government expects to release a "youth action plan" to deal with escalating crime in Katherine.
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Details of the plan are scant but the government says it is expected to be released in April.
This follows the launch of a new program in Alice Springs this week called Breaking the Cycle which included funding for a new team of youth workers to work the streets at night.
Seven new Youth Engagement Night Officers "will engage with at-risk young people in Alice Springs' CBD, seven days a week.
A program aimed at troublesome youth has already been announced for Palmerston.
It was also revealed the government will also pay private security firms to patrol the Alice Springs CBD during the night.
The Katherine Times questioned the government on whether a similar program would be rolled out in Katherine.
Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield. said there already a strategy in place in Katherine that targets at-risk young people before they commit a crime, as well as consequences for unacceptable behaviour.
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"The Government will continue to work closely with the people in Katherine to create a safer community that puts at-risk young people back on the right track, and away from a lifetime of crime.
Ms Wakefield said youth crime prevention initiatives in Katherine include:
· A Back on Track program for young people involved in the youth justice system will be implemented in Katherine by mid-2019. This program will deliver consequences for anti-social and criminal behaviour and provide alternative diversion pathways including training and employment options for young people aged 14-17 years. The program will also work with children and young people aged 8-13 years with a focus on building family capacity and responsibility, with a goal to engage youth through mainstream education.
· The Katherine Youth Action Plan is expected to be released in April this year. This plan takes on board the voices and views of young people in Katherine to develop local place-based solutions and strategies focused on community safety.
· The Katherine YORET will take 10 young boys at risk of entering the youth justice system to take part in Operation Flinders in March, on an eight-day, 100km trek through the Flinders Rangers in South Australia. This is a youth diversion program.
· Annual funding of $400k from the Regional Youth Services Program to keep children and young people in Katherine off the streets and engaged in activities and youth initiatives during school holidays.
Ms Wakefield said Territory Families was talking with key stakeholders in Katherine and the community about future youth diversion programs that will inform the design and delivery of youth diversion services. The next round of Youth Diversion Grants is scheduled to launch in April.
- Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs) – 10 started in January. Nine will start in May.
- CCTV Cameras – Four new this year four upgrades. One new Mobile CCTV Camera.
- Biz Secure Grants – 33 have been approved in Katherine
- Alcohol Secure Grants – 2 approved.
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