Giving Young People Voice For Their Future

VIC Premier

The Andrews Labor Government is giving at-risk youth an opportunity to share their stories in a new project that aims to prevent young people encountering the justice system.

Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines today launched the Youth Client Voice Project which is a $41,000 investment as part of Barwon Child, Youth and Family’s Reignite Geelong Program.

The Youth Client Voice Project is an interactive online platform that shares the stories of 12 young people who have had contact with Victoria Police and the justice system to assist services to better respond to the needs of young people and help get them on the right path.

Young people involved with or at risk of being involved with the justice system have complex histories – this project is providing vital resources to help address these issues, reduce risks and promote opportunities for rehabilitation to break the cycle of offending.

Reignite Geelong works with at risk young people by collaborating with key youth and family workers and young people’s support networks to address behaviour issues and develop positive relationships through training, education and community services.

The Labor Government invested $350,000 for Reignite Geelong in 2022 as part of Youth Crime Prevention Grants.

Since 2016, the Labor Government has invested more than $26 million for the Youth Crime Prevention Grants, which includes $2.1 million to Barwon Child, Youth and Family.

To see the final project visit www.mg-australia.com.au/youthclientvoice.

As stated by Minister for Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines

Youth crime is complex and challenging – the Youth Client Voice Project is helping services to better respond by giving our youth of Geelong an opportunity to voice their stories.”

This project provides young people with strong social connections that set them up for better lives, and I’m proud to be part of a government that’s investing in the future of young Victorians.”

As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“This is an invaluable opportunity for justice related services to hear from our most vulnerable young people about how we can work with them to improve their lives.

“We know that when young people are involved in developing policies and programs, those changes are more likely to be effective, providing better outcomes for youth, families and the wider community.”

/Public Release. View in full here.