A trio of Central Victorian schools will soon host Early Intervention Officers in a bid to address the state’s surge in youth crime.
Crusoe Secondary College in Kangaroo Flat, Weeroona College in White Hills, and the Maryborough Education Centre are among 23 schools statewide taking part in the initiative.
According to the state government, the Officers will work within those schools to support teachers, principals and wellbeing teams by:
- identifying students who are most in-need of support;
- providing a case management approach for continuity of care;
- improving school attendance through instilling a sense of belonging, and;
- connect schools, teachers and families to resolve issues and achieve positive outcomes.
The program is funded though the Violence Reduction Unit, established by the government at a cost of $5.6 million, and being delivered through non-profit organisations such as the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Foundation House, Jesuit Social Services and the Les Twentyman Foundation.
State Education Minister Ben Carroll says the Officers “will provide dedicated case management for troubled kids.”
“Keeping children engaged in school is the best tool against youth crime,” Mr Carroll said in a statement.
“Having positive peer relationships at school helps keep at-risk kids focused and out of the youth justice system.”
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