Two new youth co-responder teams, comprising police and Youth Justice workers, have begun work in the State.
The Mount Isa team, one of five additional co-responder teams being established in Queensland, patrols the streets and engages with young people and their carers, including high-risk young people and serious repeat offenders.
The team provides practical support, intervening where groups congregate, transporting young people to safety, working with support Agencies, and exploring ways to keep young people out of the youth justice system.
Minister for Youth Justice, Di Farmer said vulnerable young people were also connected with the right services to turn their lives around, including those who helped with housing, jobs training, health, domestic and family violence and education.
Another youth co-responder team is at work on the Fraser Coast, part of a program that has been establishing teams around the State since 2020, interacting with young people more than 62,000 times.
New teams are also servicing Toowoomba, South Brisbane and Ipswich.
Ms Farmer said the Government was committed to expanding early intervention and diversionary programs.
“Importantly, we know they can stop crime before it occurs and help tackle the complex causes of youth crime,” Ms Farmer said.
“We’re already seeing early evidence that these programs are working but we need to give them time.”
