The JSW Training and Community Services is one of the 13 programs that received funding
The Criminal Property Confiscation Grants has provided funding for the support program of JSW Training and Community Services for the vulnerable youth in the Mandurah and Peel region.
Titled Peel Youth on Track (PYOT), the program is geared towards individuals aged 12 to 18 who are engaging in high-risk behaviours, criminal activity, and drug abuse. According to Department of Justice Spokesperson Kyalee Carey, the program is an important initiative which focused on the early intervention of such high-risk behaviours and reducing the risk of re-offending.
“With activities tailored to meet the needs of the individual, it is an innovative program which gets young people engaged. This helps them make better decisions about their lives and breaks the cycle of crime,” said Carey.
With the support of highly qualified Case Workers, at-risk youth are given a variety of assistance such as support in re-engaging at school as well as access to work experience and diversionary activities. This aims to address the underlying cause of such high-risk behaviours that lead them to go against the justice system.
“They may need different kinds of support. It could be mental health, financial or their families might need help,” said JSW General Manager Angela Ansell.
“Once our case workers get to know them they can be referred to other services as needed. Sometimes all that’s needed is a simple walk along the beach together and the young person will start up conversations as they feel more relaxed,” she added.
Ansell shared that the program allows at-risk youth to participate in activities that are aligned to their interests so that they can build rapport with their Case Worker in an environment that is not threatening. Such activities include art or mindfulness sessions, sporting clubs, gym sessions, driving lessons, and community-based activities.
The JSW was one of the thirteen non-for-profit organisations and local governments that received funding from the previous round of crime-prevention schemes that was administered by the Department of Justice.
“Peel Youth on Track is having a positive impact on the young people. It’s fostering a sense of community and encouraging social interaction. We’re happy that funding from the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants has allowed us to expand this initiative,” said Ansell.
