Youth crime fighting project given cash injection

A PROGRAM that aims to divert the region’s worst offenders from a lifetime of crime has been secured for another three years.

Additional funding for Barwon Adolescent Taskforce’s groundbreaking Reignite Geelong Project will secure the $1.4 million program until 2021.

The funding will ensure 19 young people engaged in the program will continue to be supported while an additional 11 teens will be signed on.

Since its launch in July 2017, the program has engaged recidivist teen offenders by linking them with youth welfare experts from Barwon Child, Youth & Family, Legal Aid and mental health services.

They also engage for two years with specialist youth and family workers who help link the teens with employment and education and connect them with their community.

The BCYF project focuses on 15 to 18-year-olds who have completed a court-imposed order, continue to offend or are at risk of turning to crime.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said the program had already made a positive impact on the lives of many people in the Geelong area.

“The Reignite Geelong Project is already making a positive impact on the lives of the young people involved, getting them engaged in education, social activities — like sport — and work experience,” Ms Neville said.

“This funding will continue supporting young people already involved in the program here in Geelong — and even more in the future.”

It comes as data prepared for the Geelong Advertiser last week revealed alleged offences committed by 14-year-olds in Greater Geelong leapt from 35 in the 12 months to June 2017 to 140 this year. Most arrests of those aged between 10 and 14 related to theft, burglary or break and enter offences.

Geelong police Acting Superintendent Graham Banks said that the Reignite Geelong Project had been highly successful and had had a positive impact on other family members of the targeted teens.

“When we get to 14 or 15year-olds and they are through the system 10 times, programs like this are critical in terms of seeing the kids turn around,” Supt Banks said.

Seven other projects, in Casey, Dandenong, Frankston, Ballarat, Gippsland, Hume, Wyndham, also received funding.