Trialling of YOU training scheme for young offenders

14/8/93

An innovative education program is being trialled in Perth's northern suburbs as part of attempts to rehabilitate young offenders. 

Jointly developed by TAFE and the Community Corrections Directorate of the Ministry of Justice, the Youth Option Unlimited (YOU) project aims to equip young offenders with the skills necessary for finding employment and becoming productive members of the community. 

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes said three TAFE colleges - at Carine, Balga and Joondalup - were offering a variety of courses to offenders referred by the Balcatta Community Corrections Centre. 

"The program, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, began in June with an enrolment of 15 offenders - between the ages of 17 and 24 - who have been ordered to attend the courses as a condition of their parole or court orders," Mrs Edwardes said. 

"The concept centres on community participation in the rehabilitation of offenders and also gives offenders the opportunity to take responsibility for their own rehabilitation.

"There is no doubt offenders should be punished for their crimes, but we must also try to ensure they do not offend again." 

The TAFE courses provide training in trades such as welding, panel beating and cooking - but also teach personal care and presentation for a job interview, self confidence skills, literacy, numeracy and communication skills. 

The courses run for six to ten weeks. 

Education Minister Norman Moore said the program was an excellent example of Government agencies working together to reduce the level of re-offending in the community. 

"The staff involved are enthusiastic about the scheme and have received special training for their role by TAFE and Community Corrections," Mr Moore said. 

"The end result will hopefully be that those who participate in the courses will gain skills and accreditation which will greatly improve their chances of employment." 

Mrs Edwardes said that if offenders involved in the course demonstrated that they were addressing the underlying reasons for their offending, they could have their court orders discharged earlier - with the agreement of the Court - or earn a reduction in their parole supervision levels. 

"Both the Ministry of Justice and TAFE will be monitoring the program closely to determine whether it could be extended to other Community Corrections Centres and colleges," she said. 

Media contact: Casey Cahill 421 7777 or 222 9595