YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICE TARGETS YOUNG OFFENDERS
Published Thursday, 27 January, 2000 at 12:00 AM
Families, Youth and Community Care/Disability Services
The Honourable Anna Bligh
"Youth Justice Services aim to hold young offenders accountable, tackle the causes of their crimes, give them a fresh start and increase community safety.
"We want to try and stop today's young offenders from becoming the serious criminals of tomorrow," Ms Bligh said. The Ipswich based service is one of three pilot services being trialled by the Beattie government in Queensland. The other two Youth Justice Services are operating in Townsville and Logan.
The new Ipswich service provides intensive support, supervision and rehabilitation services to young offenders aged 10 - 17 years who are subject to court orders.
"It will be a one stop shop for enforcing court orders, overseeing community service and providing services for juvenile offenders, including drug and alcohol counselling, rehabilitation and education support," Ms Bligh said.
"An employment training officer assists young offenders prepare for entering the workforce.
"Last week, four clients of the Ipswich service received occupation, health and safety certificates for successfully completed programs undertaken at the service.
"In Townsville, where the service has been operating since August, 14 young offenders have found employment including apprenticeships in bricklaying, plumbing and catering, mining and meat processing and a range of other occupations.
"Youth Justice Services are about addressing the causes of offending and reducing crime.
"This new Ipswich service will hold young offenders accountable, help them develop lives without crime and make the community safer" Anna Bligh said.
CONTACT:Caroline Fisher, Snr Media Adviser (07) 3224 7081.