The Andrews Labor Government has awarded $700,000 to YSAS Pty Ltd for their PIVOT program to help young people find pathways away from offending.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP, today announced YSAS would receive funding for the extension of their PIVOT program offered from their Casey and Dandenong locations.
PIVOT provides intensive and individualised preventative support to at-risk young people including therapy, crisis management and group work. Over the last four years YSAS has received $2.8 million to support young people and provide them with the help they need.
The project aims to address offending and recidivism among young people aged 10 to 24 who have either had contact with, or have demonstrated risk of, being involved with the criminal justice system.
The projects engage with young people through coaching, mentoring, employment and education opportunities to address the underlying causes of offending and steer them away from the justice system.
YSAS’s funding builds on its strong community involvement to respond to the needs of its local youth and provides opportunities for them to be provided with a wraparound service that sets them on the right path.
The funding is part of the State Government’s Youth Crime Prevention Grants program, which received $4.4 million in the 2021-22 State Budget to extend projects across Victoria for an additional 12 months.
These community-led projects for young people are run in partnership with councils, service providers, not-for-profit groups and police.
Since 2016 the State Government has invested over $22 million, providing intensive support to more than 1,000 young people. More than 2,000 young people have participated in pro-social activities delivered by these projects.
For more information visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/grants/youth-crime-prevention-grants
Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins
“Our Youth Crime Prevention Grants have successfully helped community designed programs support vulnerable young people to keep their lives on track.”
“By supporting young people we’re creating a better future for them, and a safer future for all Victorians.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP
“Tackling crime in our community means tackling its root causes - by making sure that young people stay engaged we’re ensuring that they are given pathways in life that help them flourish, rather than offend.”
“The team at YSAS do incredible work with our youth and I am so proud to be part of a government that supports community-led efforts like the PIVOT program.”
“It is important that we make sure that those at risk have access to educational pathways, employment opportunities, and meaningful connections. The YSAS PIVOT program and their fantastic mentors have changed the lives of many young people and this benefits the whole community.”
21 July 2021