The Department of Communities is expanding its successful Target 120 program that helps steer at-risk youth away from the criminal justice system.
The program is to be rolled out in nine additional locations — Broome, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Karratha, Newman, Carnarvon, Mandurah and Ellenbrook.
In a statement, the Department said Target 120 supported young people aged 10-to-14 who were at risk of becoming repeat offenders.
“Since its inception in 2018, the program has been linked to better outcomes for participants, with half of those not reoffending since their commencement in the program,” the Department said.
“The program focuses on high-risk young people who have had multiple interactions with police, but have not yet been sentenced to detention.”
Minister for Child Protection, Simone McGurk said Target 120 had proven to be extremely successful in supporting the State’s most at-risk children.
“Around half of the young people involved have had no further contact with police,” Ms McGurk said.
“An additional $11.1 million in Budget funding will provide for the expansion — helping to build safer communities.”
Target 120 began in Bunbury and Armadale, and has since progressed to Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Northam, Albany, Port Hedland, Mirrabooka, Geraldton, Rockingham and Midland.
It is a cross-Government program that works closely with the community and is delivered by local Aboriginal community-controlled organisations wherever possible.
