Continued support for Relationships Australia's Steering Clear Program

15/7/97

Attorney General Peter Foss today announced continued support for the Relationships Australia Steering Clear Program.

Under the Justice Ministry's Juvenile Justice Community Funding Program, more than $1.7 million will be allocated to 26 non-Government organisations in the 1997-98 financial year.

Each of the groups provides services to young people who have offended or who are at risk of offending.

The Steering Clear Program will receive $38,140 to assist in providing parenting courses for those adults caring for difficult-to-handle young people.

The program can help parents tackle specific problems including adolescent alcohol and drug addiction, as well as offending behaviour.

Parents of young people under the notice of the Ministry of Justice can be referred to the program.

The Juvenile Justice Community Funding Program is a State-wide preventative initiative that aims to reduce the incidence of offending by young people and to help cut the rate of recidivism.

"Non-Government organisations work in partnership with the Ministry of Justice in providing locally based preventative services that address the factors that often lead to anti-social or criminal behaviour," Mr Foss said.

"They offer an important link with local communities, help divert potential offenders from the criminal justice system and encourage young people who have broken the law to face up to their problems and address their offending behaviour."

Media contact: Chris Morris Mobile 041 174 4077