April 2004

Mentoring program to get youth back on track

A new $1.2 million mentoring program will rehabilitate young offenders and help get their lives back on track.

Under the program, a supportive mentor would help young people re-establish their lives by acting as a positive role model and linking them with training, education or job opportunities.

Acting as Premier, John Thwaites said the Government was committed to rehabilitating young offenders and giving them an opportunity to lead a positive and law-abiding life when they were released from custody.

‘Too many young offenders are caught in the revolving door of the juvenile justice system and risk becoming career criminals.

‘This voluntary program aims to stop young people re-offending and assume responsibility for their actions while building a new life away from criminal activity.’

Mr Thwaites said the Government-funded initiative would partner volunteer adult mentors with young offenders aged 12 to 20 and would assist up to 100 young offenders over the three-year program.

Jesuit Social Services will deliver the Restorative Justice Mentoring Program to young offenders in custody and youths on community-based custody orders living in Melbourne’s southern and eastern suburbs.

Mr Thwaites said young offenders would be carefully assessed for their prospects of rehabilitation and suitability before participating in the program.

‘This program will make a real difference to the lives of young people and help them make a successful transition from custody to community living.’

Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt said Jesuit Social Services was looking for volunteer mentors for the program.

‘The Government is urging community-minded Victorians to volunteer as mentors and play a pivotal role in giving the lives of young offenders’ direction and purpose.

‘We are also encouraging businesses to consider creating training and job opportunities for young people who participate in this program.

‘This mentoring program is bringing the community together to support and assist young Victorians to rebuild their lives,’ she said.