Right Step: A diversion program for young offenders [20.07.2010]

Right Step is a new, innovative program run by Youth Connect in conjunction with the Victoria Police and Moorabbin Justice Centre which is aimed at reducing youth recidivism amongst 10-18 year olds. It involves a program of life skills, capacity building, information and referral, mediation and mentoring and will involve 120 young offenders over a three year period. The Trust has made a grant of $64,500 over three years towards the program which has been developed through extensive community consultation between the three participating organisations.

The program is unique and groundbreaking for Victoria. Police and magistrates will be able to refer young offenders at risk of further youth or adult criminal behaviour to Right Step, potentially curtailing the need for further police involvement or progression into the justice system. The program’s primary target group are those young people under police caution or being dealt with through the new Moorabbin Justice Centre. The launch of the Centre, which now sees young offenders from the area prosecuted by a court based in the local community, highlighted the need for a youth offender diversion program in the region. Consultation with various support agencies suggested a need for a program with case-managed, individualised support. All young people targeted for Right Step support will be at high risk of recidivist behaviour and in need of individualised, early intervention support to prevent them becoming an ongoing risk to themselves and general community well-being and safety. The program will be overseen by a steering group made up of partner community agencies in addition to Victoria Police and Moorabbin Justice Centre (Magistrate Court).