The most extensive suite of measures to address the issue ofyoung offendersever seen in the Territory will commence in the coming weeks.
Backon Trackincludes programs that have a track record of preventing further crime such asvictim conferencing and youth diversion programs.
34early referrals have already been made to the Back on Track program.
Inthe lead up to the programs commencing, a new referral panel has beenestablished to assess those referred and provide advice to the Police and Courts.The panel is made up of experts from different fields to ensure that the Policeand Courts are provided with good information on which to base referraldecisions.
Forthe first time in the Territory, Police, government agencies and NGOs will nowbe able to refer young people under the age of criminal responsibility (8-9years old) to programs that will change behaviour and break the cycle of youthcrime.
The Back onTrack programs will come into full effect on 9 September.
As stated by Minister for Territory Families, DaleWakefield
Young people who do the wrong thing will face theconsequences because all Territorians have the right to be safe.
For the first time in the Territory, we will nowalso be able to work with at-risk young people under the age of 10 throughearly intervention and prevention programs.
The Governments new Back on Track program tackles youth crime by giving Police and Courtsthe ability to get young people into youth diversion programs that will changebehaviour such as victim conferencing.
We already have 34 early referrals for the Back on Track program. The organisationsthat we have partnered with across the Territory are experienced in workingwith at-risk young people to change behaviour and ensure that they face theimpact of their offending.
