Community to help tackle youth violence in Logan, Inala and Ipswich

The Queensland Government is adopting a whole-of-community approach to tackle youth violence in the Logan, Inala and Ipswich areas.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said $915,000 had been allocated over three years to establish a Safe Youth–Safe Communities initiative in the Logan-Ipswich corridor.

He said the funding would enable a community organisation to employ up to four project officers to implement tailored programs on the ground, where they are needed most.

“Police statistics show that assaults comprise a staggering 64 per cent of all offences committed by young people, and that youths aged 15 and 19 are four times more likely than the general population to commit an assault,” Mr Pitt said.

“Violence in any form is unacceptable and I will do all that I can to ensure we have safe and welcoming communities,” he said.

“Youth violence is a community problem and it requires a community approach to develop and implement solutions that work, and this initiative is geared to do just that.”

The Safe Youth–Safe Communities initiative aligns with outcomes of the State Government’s Youth Violence Task Force.

Mr Pitt, who is also task force co-chair, said research had shown recidivism could be reduced by up to 40 per cent through properly structured responses that targeted young people.

“This initiative will put in place interventions to tackle the causes of violence so we can divert young people from violent, offending behaviour,” he said.

“It is a whole-of-community initiative that will harness the efforts of young people, their families, community groups, schools, police, churches and other relevant groups and social systems.

“Under the program, young people at risk of offending or re-offending will be identified through police and youth justice service centres, and individualised responses will be developed for them.

“The project officers will then act as case managers, working with the young people, their families and members of the wider community to implement the response plan for each person.”

Mr Pitt said key members of local communities, including Pacific Islander communities, had given their strong commitment to help tackle the youth violence problem.

“They have identified that existing support services need to be part of the solution, including youth justice service centres, cultural liaison staff, youth support coordinators, school-based police officers and nurses, and guidance officers,” he said.

“We need to strengthen these critical links and get them working collaboratively and seamlessly to help rid the community of violence.”

The Department of Communities will advertise shortly for expressions of interest from organisations wanting to help implement the program.

For more information, phone the department on 3008 8601.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280