Funding approved for youth crime prevention projects

11/12/01
The State Government has approved funding to ensure two local youth projects will be able to continue to provide valuable services to assist young people in 2002.
The City of Cockburn Community Youth Program and the Burdiya Aboriginal Corporation were two of 15 non-profit community youth services around the State which had their funding renewed for 2002 under the Department of Justice's community funding program.
A further eight new services, primarily in remote areas, will also be funded next year.
Justice Minister Jim McGinty said the City of Cockburn Community Youth Program had received $73,500 and the Burdiya Aboriginal Corporation had received $58,200.
"An independent evaluation, commissioned by the Department of Justice, confirms that both services are doing an excellent job meeting the needs of juveniles," he said.
Mr McGinty said the Burdiya Aboriginal Corporation offered counselling, referrals to other agencies, access to employment, education opportunities and holiday activities.
"The service works not just with the young Aboriginals, but also with their extended families, providing a holistic approach to solving issues youth may have," he said.
"The City of Cockburn Youth Program is an excellent service which has been making a great difference to young people with problems that inhibit their performance at school.
"By reducing offending, antisocial behaviour and substance abuse, while increasing participation in employment, training and education activities, the service is helping juveniles get back on track."
Mr McGinty said concern over the chronic over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system had prompted a new focus by the Government in its 2002 funding for community programs aimed at diverting young people from crime.
Aboriginal people accounted for one third of the adult prison population and almost two thirds of youth in detention, yet made up just three per cent of the population in Western Australia.
"The Department of Justice provides substantial funding each year for youth crime prevention programs and many are achieving excellent results, but more emphasis is clearly needed to address the needs of Aboriginal youth," Mr McGinty said.
"Accordingly, all programs funded in the future will be required to specifically address this issue."
Mr McGinty said community-based programs were proving to be a real force in the fight against juvenile crime.
More than $1.7million has been allocated by the department to support new and existing youth services in 2002.
Minister's office: 9220 5000