New push to keep youth on track

An early intervention program which takes a holistic approach to steering young people away from a life of crime will be launched in Albany. Community Services Minister Simone McGurk will today announce the expansion of the Target 120 program, a partnership between WA Police and various State Government departments. The $20.4 million program works to reduce youth crime in the Great Southern region by targeting those who are considered risks of becoming repeat offenders. Target 120 was introduced in Bunbury and Armadale in 2018, then expanded to Mirrabooka, Kununurra and Kalgoorlie-Boulder last year. The program aims to connect recent offenders and their families with support services that can divert them away from antisocial and criminal behaviour. It looks at factors that can increase a young person’s likelihood of offending, such as family and domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health problems, housing issues, trauma, and low school attendance. Agencies engage with local Aboriginal organisations and other not-for-profit organisations to provide culturally appropriate support and mentorship. In the locations where the program already exists, more than 45 families have taken part, and two-thirds of participants have stayed out of trouble. Ms McGurk said Target 120 looked at young offenders as individuals rather than as a group. “By focusing on participants’ needs, strengths and family circumstances, the program works to help at-risk young people become valued members of their communities,” she said. “It also provides guidance in life skills, health, peer dynamics and family wellbeing. “This cross-agency approach ensures potential reoffenders can engage in education, training or employment, social and recreational activities, and other community-based supports. This latest expansion is an investment in the future of these young Western Australians and the Albany community.”