‘Young crims’ turned around

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A PROGRAM targeting young offenders in the Geelong region is “a great development for dealing with crime”, according to a community worker.
Barwon Youth’s Helen Dimo-poulos said the Youth Justice Group Conferencing program represented a “fundamental shift in thinking”.
“There have been some fantastic outcomes to the extent where one victim, a small business owner, was prepared to offer the offender a job,” she said.
State Government gave the state-wide program a $5.1 million funding boost last week.
Ms Dimopoulos said the program operated on “restorative justice principles”.
“It explores how young offenders can restore the harm done by the offence.
“It’s about young people taking responsibility for their actions.”
Ms Dimopoulos said the program was changing perceptions about young offenders.
“The victims are satisfied with the process and have their opportunity to have their say.
“There’s a perception it’s a soft option but it’s anything but. Even police have acknowledged it’s hard work for the offender.”
Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said the funding would put 650 more young offenders in the program.
An independent evaluation found that the program was “highly effective”, Ms Wooldridge said.
“Victims who have taken part in the program have been positive about their opportunity to meet with the offender and have a say about how they should make amends for their crime.”