The Liberal Government has confirmed its $2 million commitment to an intervention program for young offenders who have committed motor vehicle related offences.
U-turn is a restorative justice program that has been operating in Tasmania for 10 years, designed for young people 15-20 years of age who have been involved in, or been at risk of being involved in motor vehicle theft.
Mission Australia will continue to operate the program in 2014-15 through a partnership with Community Corrections, which is now administering the program. Community Corrections is recognised for its expertise in managing offenders and delivering intervention programs.
The youth justice landscape has changed since the introduction of U-Turn 10 years ago with a number of programs and services assisting youth at risk funded by the State Government.
The Government has committed to the provision of $3.3 million over the next three years to a statewide network of other youth justice programs to break the cycle of youth crime, which include:
An identified gap in service delivery exists for young offenders aged 18-25yrs committing motor vehicle related offences. As a result, we are working with the University of Tasmania to ensure the program delivers an intervention model appropriate for this target group.
A stakeholder workshop will be convened in early March for interested parties to provide input.
With the transfer of responsibility for administering the program to Community Corrections, this is an ideal time to develop and implement an intervention model for an older target group. Once this work is complete, the tender for delivery will be advertised.
The Government acknowledges the significant role U-Turn has played in diverting young people from the criminal justice system and commends the efforts of Mission Australia in delivering the program.