Murwillumbah youth advocacy and training organisation, RiverTracks has secured $20,000 in one-off state government funding to run its Youth Court Support and Diversion Initiative as a pilot program over the next 12 months.
In a media release by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin (Labor), she congratulated the organisation and thanked NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley, ‘for recognising the value of a new collaboration between the community youth support organisation and the Tweed-Byron Police Area Command across the Tweed and Byron shires’.
‘RiverTracks has achieved real success over the past five years by connecting vulnerable young people with positive support services, and this program will be aimed at improving youth court attendance and reducing reoffending,’ Ms Saffin said.
‘Programs such as this recognise that early intervention and practical assistance can make a real difference in helping young people avoid deeper involvement in the justice system.
Her office says RiverTracks youth workers will support about 40 young people who have entered the youth justice system or who are at risk of further offending.
‘This will be done through individual case management, court support, transport assistance, referrals to services such as Legal Aid and Headspace, and engagement in RiverTracks’ existing recreational and development programs’.
RiverTracks Manager Christopher Rowland said the initiative was developed following ongoing discussions with local police and community stakeholders about barriers faced by young people navigating the justice system.
‘We regularly see young people who miss court appearances because they lack transport, don’t fully understand the process, or don’t have trusted adults supporting them through what can be a very challenging time,’ Mr Rowland said.
‘This initiative is about providing practical assistance and positive relationships at a critical point in a young person’s life.
‘By helping young people attend court, connect with legal and support services, and engage in positive activities, we can reduce the likelihood of further offending and create pathways toward better outcomes.
‘Our partnership with the Tweed-Byron Police Area Command has shown the value of agencies working together. This proposal strengthens that collaboration and creates an opportunity to pilot a model that could be expanded across the region in the future.
‘The initiative aligns with RiverTracks’ broader goals of supporting youth wellbeing, strengthening community connections, and creating opportunities for young people to make positive choices and remain engaged in education, employment and community life’.
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