EARLY SUPPORT Young offenders focus of program

AN ACTION group will head to the Townsville courthouse next week, hoping to help child offenders and their families in a new early intervention program.

Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group co- ordinator Glenn Doyle said the new Children’s Court early response service would target children aged 10 to 14.

“We will identify young people who have only appeared in court once or twice, commence work with them and their families to connect with support services,” he said.

Mr Doyle ( pictured) said research showed that if a child under 14 had had two contacts with the criminal justice system, such as police cautions or a conviction, then they were at high risk of committing further offences.

The plan is to direct young offenders, mainly committing property crimes, to support services in a bid to address issues such as family dysfunction, education, drugs, alcohol and mental health.

Mr Doyle said the action group would attend court weekly, on the designated Children’s Court day.

He had sought permission from Children’s Court magistrate Peter Smid, who was supportive.

Mr Doyle said he was confident families would be willing to participate.

“Young families in these situations are keen and willing to try anything,” he said. “It’s a therapeutic style intervention which will hopefully teach ( offenders) the skills needed to not appear in court again.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Kev Guteridge said young offenders had often grown up in families without role models or positive influences.

“We’re not suggesting these kids don’t know right from wrong, but they don’t have the same level of appreciation of right and wrong,” he said.

“They don’t have the same opportunities as kids who grow up in caring, loving homes.”

Acting Chief Supt Guteridge said early intervention and engaging with first- time offenders was critical.

“This is the first time we’ve engaged with them at the court stage. It’s another opportunity for us to hopefully steer them in the right direction,” he said.

Mr Doyle said while “time will tell”, he was hopeful that the program would be successful.

“We’re hopeful that making these services available will have a positive effect. If young people can turn things around then it’s not just good for them, it’s good for the community,” he said.