The Victorian Government invests in community safety. We continue to back our police with increased powers and resources to do their jobs.
Early intervention
Violent youth crime is hurting families and kids. We’re ensuring there are serious consequences for serious crimes. Tougher laws came into effect earlier this year under Adult Time for Violent Crime, which will reinforce boundaries for young offenders.
But we know it’s better to stop crime before it starts.
Early intervention with kids at risk of offending can mean that they never turn to crime. Helping young people stay engaged and connected with their communities can stop them from offending and keeps them out of the justice system.
This Budget invests $81 million to respond to and prevent youth crime. This includes:
- $23 million to provide educational support and guidance for young people who are at risk of or already in contact with the justice system, and assist schools to re-engage students transitioning between custodial youth justice and education settings.
- $9.5 million for Blue Light Victoria to mentor children and young people at risk of offending, fostering stronger connections between the community and Victoria Police to prevent crime.
- $9.1 million to support students’ engagement with the education systems, to help keep kids in school and on the right track, reducing potential contact with the justice system.
- $8.6 million on programs that help reduce reoffending among young people, such as lived experience mentoring.
- $8.1 million to continue funding for local prevention programs and to enable access to support services for young people.
- $5.5 million to begin implementation of key recommendations of the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, including planning for the establishment of a South Sudanese Community Hub.
