A new program will soon be launched to compliment Centacare NENW’s highly successful Youth on Track program, ensuring that more young offenders receive the support they need to get back on track.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government would be funding the program with a $1,328,530 grant from the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program after the 84% of offenders who participated in Youth on Track either stabilised or reduced their contact with police.

“Centacare NENW have been delivering the Youth on Track program since 2016 and the program has proven to change the lives of many young people in our communities,” Mr Anderson said.

“Early intervention is key when it comes to reducing young offenders contact with the criminal justice system and we need to work together to do everything we can to keep them away from crime.

“That’s why it’s such good news that the NSW Government were now funding the new ‘Keep on Track’ program to compliment Youth on Track, ensuring more at-risk or disengaged youths have an opportunity to access support.”

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said nearly 2,000 young people were consulted to help determine the priorities for investment for the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program.

“This is an investment that has been shaped for youth, by youth and is based on findings from Regional Youth Insights – the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government,” Mr Franklin said.

“The Liberals and Nationals are committed to creating opportunities to support young people to live, work and achieve in regional NSW whether that’s through developing career pathways, improved health and wellbeing services, extracurricular activities or a newfound connection to culture and community.”

Centacare Interim CEO David Holzigal said the Keep on Track program would help Centacare NENW manage ongoing demand for Youth on Track and other youth programs.

“Keep on Track will provide extra support for at-risk youth and their families through a holistic case management approach, and we hope this will result in better outcomes for out young people and further curb their contact with the justice system.”

For further information about the NSW Government’s Regional Youth Insights, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinsights  

For further information on the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinvestmentprogram