Youth diversion program in Alice Springs

As part of the NT Government’s Youth Diversion Program, Anglicare NT has commenced supporting referred young people in the Alice Springs region.

The Youth Diversion Program is an alternative response and formal pathway for young people who are eligible for youth diversion under Sections 39 and 64 of the Youth Justice Act 2005 (NT) (the Act).

Anglicare NT’s Youth Diversion Program offers case management support to young people aged 10 to 17 who are referred under the provisions of the Act.

By focusing on early intervention and community-based support, the program aims to address the underlying factors influencing young people’s decision-making and strengthen their ability to make positive choices for the future.

The program aims to:

• improve a young person’s connectedness with family, community and culture
• improve a young person’s resilience in meeting current and future challenges
• improve education, training and employment engagement and opportunities
• improve participation by young people in pro-social and community activities
• reduce involvement of young people in the youth justice system and;
• reduce repeat offending (recidivism) and/or severity of offending

“We are pleased to commence this important youth diversion program in Alice Springs,” said CEO Craig Kelly.

“Youth detention should be a last resort, and diversion programs that address the root causes of crime must be the priority. We need to continue to invest in early intervention and prevention to ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive.”