Western Australia launches program to prevent young children from entering justice system

The program focuses on early intervention for children who exhibit offending behaviour

Western Australia launches program to prevent young children from entering justice system

The Western Australian government has unveiled a $7.8m initiative to prevent young children aged five to nine from entering the criminal justice system.

The program, titled “On Track to Thrive,” will be trialled in Perth and Geraldton, focusing on early intervention for children who exhibit offending behaviours but are below the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

The pilot program will be delivered through a collaborative effort involving the Departments of Justice, Communities, Education, and Health. It targets children identified as at risk of future offending and offers therapeutic and practical support to address the underlying factors contributing to their behaviour.

WA police data highlights that more than half of WA’s most prolific young offenders first come to police attention between the ages of five and nine. Early intervention programs like “On Track to Thrive” aim to address these risk factors before offending behaviours become entrenched.

Premier Roger Cook emphasized the importance of a multi-agency response in diverting children from the justice system. "Without targeted intervention, these children are on a path to entering the criminal justice system," Cook said in a statement. "This program is designed to change their trajectory through culturally appropriate and coordinated support."

In addition to the pilot program, the government is investing $2.1 million in expanded bail support services for young people aged 10 to 17 in Perth and Geraldton. The Youth Engagement Program (YEP), run by the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA, will be extended to Geraldton, while Legal Aid WA will launch a parallel program for non-Aboriginal youth.

These programs aim to reduce breaches of bail conditions and provide young people access to long-term support services, helping prevent further offending.

Attorney General John Quigley highlighted the importance of these initiatives in addressing the root causes of youth offending. "By providing therapeutic, practical interventions, we can change long-term outcomes for our most vulnerable young people," Quigley said.

Police Minister Paul Papalia noted that the program would free up police resources. "WA Police regularly encounter young people below the age of criminal responsibility. This initiative will divert them from a lifetime of offending while allowing officers to focus on other duties," Papalia said.

The pilot program and expanded bail services are expected to reduce youth crime rates and create safer communities in Perth and Geraldton.