By Molly Magennis
Victoria University has joined a number of organisations set on ending youth criminalisation in Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham.
Target Zero is a 10-year program which aims to see zero children and youth in the municipalities involved in the justice system, particularly those from Indigenous and culturally-diverse backgrounds.
A number of other organisations such as the Centre for Multicultural Youth, WEstjustice, Jesuit Social Services, Anglicare, and Western Metropolitan Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee has signed on to the program.
Targeted programs that are co-designed with the community will aim to to break the cycle of arrests, charges, convictions and incarcerations that many children in the system find themselves in.
Victoria University senior lecturer in Youth Work Dr Karen Hart said the current criminal justice system is like a revolving door for young people.
“This ‘incarceration crisis’ continues to confound policy-makers and practitioners on how to respond effectively, but Target Zero is a critical first step,” she said.
