By Olivia Condous
Melton youth needing crime prevention support will have help for another year, as the Victorian government has confirmed the council crime prevention program funding will be extended.
The City of Melton’s UTURN 193 program has run since 2017 and helps young people who live, work or study in the area avoid crime.
Victorian crime prevention minister Natalie Hutchins announced the government would provide funding to allow Melton council to deliver the program for another year.
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the council was grateful to the state government for continuing to support the program.
“It has already helped more than 4,200 young people in our area by linking them to education and employment pathways and providing intensive case management,” Cr Kesic said.
“The program addresses low self-esteem, disengagement from education, unemployment,
emerging mental health issues, drug and alcohol misuse, trauma and violence.
“The program works because it enables participants to take the lead in identifying their own
needs and seek opportunities for personal growth and skill development on their terms.”
UTURN 193 provides confidential support for people between 10 and 24 years-of-age who are at risk of committing crime or have already offended in the criminal justice system
The project is delivered in a partnership between Melton City Council, Victoria Police, Odyssey House Victoria, Djerriwarrh Health Services, and Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/uturn193
