Crime plan for kids

CRIME prevention strategies should be targeted at children as young as four, according to “community champion” Major General Stuart Smith ( Ret).

Maj- Gen Smith, who was hired by the Premier to report back to her on Townsville’s out- of- control crime issues, has written an interim report, which has been obtained by the Bulletin.

AIMING crime prevention strategies at children as young as four is the most effective way to reduce youth crime, says Townsville’s community champion.

A periodic interim report by Major General Stuart Smith ( Ret) obtained by the Townsville Bulletin says children under the age of six could be steered away from a future of criminal activity through parent education programs, early childhood screening and cultural awareness education.

In his report Maj- Gen Smith, who was appointed Townsville’s community champion by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in February, said this level of early inter- vention would be the most effective and the lowest cost.

Maj- Gen Smith said he was seeking to develop a strategy to promote socially responsible behaviour, reduce incidents of youth crime, strengthen community spirit and promote Townsville as a preferred destination for business and lifestyle.

“My consultation with the grassroots, service provider and leadership segments of the Townsville community has revealed a broad view that youth should be developed through a three layered strategy – prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.”

He identified several gaps in Townsville including the opportunity to create a community- driven Townsville youth development strategy, improving information management and sharing and increasing inter- agency youth service coordination.

Maj- Gen Smith said intervention strategies would be most suited to help children aged between six and 10. He suggested improving community after- hours youth services, reinforcing community meeting spaces in suburbs including Rasmussen and Garbutt, and reinforcing effective mentor programs like Clontarf, Booyah and Yinda.

Maj- Gen Smith said rehabilitation should be targeted at youths aged 12 to 18 through measures including improved diversionary sentencing for youth offenders, improving community service and im- proving supervision and support to youths’ transition away from detention.

Maj- Gen Smith will now shift his focus to writing a draft report before it is then finalised and presented to the State Government.

Premier Palaszczuk said Maj- Gen Smith had kept her “regularly updated” with his progress.

“It’s good to see the community involved in this issue and I look forward to his final report,” she said.