- Minister for Crime Prevention
More than 25 at-risk young people have been given a second chance to turn their lives around through a program backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
The ReBoot youth crime prevention program, run by Anglicare, identifies the services and support each individual young person needs to stay out of contact with the criminal justice system.
The program, which received $1.4 million from the Labor Government, helps young people aged 10 to 14 who are at risk of contact with the criminal justice system, or who are engaged in low-level offending.
Program coaches work with partners including Berry Street, Kurnai College Flexible Learning Option Campus, and Quantum Support Services, to tailor a program to connect young people and their families to support and educational opportunities.
Young people receive mentoring to explore their interests, aspirations and identify education and recreational community activities.
Since the program started, nine young people have successfully completed the program and a further 16 are currently participating.
The Government provided an additional $700,000 in October last year to support a further 20 young people to participate in the program.
Since 2015, the government has funded 683 projects under its Community Crime Prevention Program, representing a total investment of almost $36 million.
As noted by Minister for Crime Prevention Ben Carroll
"We know that the earlier we intervene in an at-risk youth's life, the better chance we have of keeping them out of the justice system."
"Programs like ReBoot play a vital role in intervening early, so young people stay in school and get the skills they need to move into further education or into work."
As noted by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"We're backing Anglicare so they can continue supporting young people across Gippsland, improving their lives for the better."
"The ReBoot program is helping to turn the lives of young people around, making sure they get the tailored support they need to stay out of trouble."
