- Almost $10 million for Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy
- Funding will support a range of Aboriginal-led programs across the region including safe night spaces and youth activities
- Cook Government focused on keeping the community safe and improving outcomes for young people
The Cook Government has committed an additional $9.7 million over the next two years to support Aboriginal-led programs for vulnerable young people and to keep the community safe as part of the Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy (KJJS).
The KJJS is a key component of the State Government’s response to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap and works to address Aboriginal over-representation in the justice system, as well as improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal young people.
The Cook Government has allocated $4.4 million towards night patrols and place-based youth activities to keep young people safe, out of trouble and off the streets throughout the Kimberley.
An allocation of $3.5 million will allow for the continuation of the successful Night Space pilot programs in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing, which provide a safe place for children who may have nowhere else to go as well as meals and access to wraparound services provided in a culturally appropriate way.
The programs have already shown positive outcomes with more than 400 individual young people engaging with these services and more than 4,100 total interactions since being established earlier this year.
The Ngurra Buru Night Space in Broome is run by Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation and the Youth Connection Night Place in Fitzroy Crossing by Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation.
Additional funds will also help North Regional TAFE continue to deliver the Young and Deadly program, which is a culturally responsive 10-week program for young males and females referred by Youth Justice Services in Broome and Kununurra.
The West Kimberley Youth Engagement Program run by the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA will also be extended to provide juveniles with mentoring and help to comply with the requirements of their bail and court orders.
As stated by Corrective Services and Police Minister Paul Papalia:
“We know there is a need for more services for our young people in the Kimberley, and keeping children safe and protecting the community is a priority.
“Our almost $10 million commitment will allow for the continuation of important initiatives across the region like the Night Space programs, which are supported by the WA Police Force.
“These programs are also helping to connect hundreds of juveniles with wraparound wellbeing services and contributing to a decrease in crime in the area, which means fewer young people coming into contact with the justice system.”
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
“The Cook Government understands the importance that grassroots programs play in supporting young people in the region.
“I recently visited the Kimberley and saw firsthand the positive work being undertaken by organisations like Marra Worra Worra in helping to engage and support young people in the town.
“These programs have demonstrated that they can successfully engage with our youth in culturally appropriate and trauma-informed ways.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“These vital initiatives provide safety for the local community and our young people with support and Aboriginal-led mentoring.
“I am proud to be part of a Government that is focused on delivering services and improved outcomes for children across the Kimberley.”
