A Children’s Court program aimed at helping young offenders finish their education is now operating across five locations around the State.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman and Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell announced that $845,000 had been allocated over two years to fund education liaison officers at Parramatta, Surry Hills, Campbelltown, Port Kembla and Broadmeadow Children’s Courts.
Mr Speakman said the expansion followed a successful trial in Parramatta that was launched in November last year.
“Young people who come in contact with the justice system are often at a distressing and traumatic point of their lives,” Mr Speakman said.
“So they need extra support to help rebuild their lives and reduce the chances of reoffending, which includes reengaging with learning,” he said.
“We have already seen some positive results coming out of the trial at Parramatta with more than 500 youth receiving assistance and benefiting from follow-up support to keep them focused on education and training.”
Ms Mitchell said the best way to stop the cycle of crime was for children and teenagers to finish their schooling.
“Education is the stepping stone to a brighter future and is crucial in keeping young offenders out of trouble,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These education officers work closely with schools, alternative education settings and vocational and training providers to help young people find the right learning environment to achieve their goals.”
The President of the Children’s Court, Judge Peter Johnstone, said he campaigned for education officers because he was seeing too many children in court who had dropped out of education and training.
“Education is the key to helping youth achieve their full potential and will reduce their involvement in the justice system in the longer term,” Judge Johnstone said.
