A new group is set to help prevent youth crime and support at-risk young people on the Sunshine Coast.
A Youth Co-Responder Team has been introduced to the region as part of the state government’s push to address the causes of youth crime and prevent offending.
The Sunshine Coast Youth Co-Responder Team will include three police officers, three youth justice officers and a police liaison officer.
The team will interact with young people on the street, at parks, in shopping centres and in their homes.
Queensland Police Service Sunshine Coast district officer superintendent Craig Hawkins said the team would make a difference.
“The YCRT will work to support the specifics needs of the Sunshine Coast and help us engage with at-risk young people to reduce offending and potential harm to the community,” he said.
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“We know early intervention and restorative justice is key to addressing youth crime, giving young people the best chance at brighter futures and supporting a safer Sunshine Coast.”
The team will be based in the Youth Engagement Hub at the Maroochydore Police Station, alongside school-based police officers and school support officers, and the neighbouring Child Protection Investigation Unit.
Supt Hawkins said the hub had a holistic approach, targeting young people who may be just starting down the path towards offending behaviour.
“The hub houses resources that will work to address the root causes of youth crime in a sustainable and holistic way,” he said.
“We have specialist officers dedicated to targeting the recidivist offending that causes harm in our communities, and now this hub will boost our capabilities in diverting young people before they begin to offend.
“The YCRT and Youth Engagement Hub go beyond just the child, by providing support to their caregivers, school and communities to intervene early and help them stay on the right path.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the team would tackle the root causes of crimes committed by young people.
“The new Sunshine Coast Youth Co-Responder Team will work to address the underlying issues contributing to offending behavior and connect young people with essential services such as housing, health, education, and employment,” he said.
“The team will provide practical support, including patrols of high-traffic areas, home visits, conflict de-escalation, transportation, and interactions with support agencies. “
Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said early intervention programs help make safer communities.
“Rather than waiting for young people to offend, Youth Co-Responder Teams engage with young people to stop anti-social behaviour and reduce the risk of them offending in the first place,” he said.
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