Eddie Russell
The stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Caroline Springs has sparked calls for stronger action on early intervention of knife crime.
On Thursday August 22, a student from Springside West Secondary College was rushed to hospital after being stabbed during an altercation.
It is believed that a group of seven, who were armed with machetes, accessed the school grounds and sought the teen out before fleeing in a black Honda sedan.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said public safety remained a key priority and that efforts would focus on cracking down on knife crime.
“We completely understand the concern felt within the community when knife crime occurs in public places,” the spokesperson said.
“That’s why we have boosted both vehicle and foot patrols in the Fraser Rise area, with officers from the public order response team and transit safety division providing ongoing support.”
“On top of this, we have a number of proactive operations coming up in the Brimbank and Melton area to target those in the community who think carrying a weapon is acceptable.”
However, Les Twentyman Foundation general manager of programs Chris Lacey said this was not the right approach to the issue.
“You cannot police your way out of this and having police officers knocking on the door of kids who are seen as ‘at risk’ of offending is not a solution,” he said.
“If we take the stick approach and throw kids behind bars, that will lead to institutionalisation and career criminals who will only become more dangerous to society.
“What is needed are effective, intensive and positive early intervention programs aimed at ensuring that kids do not make the decision to pick a knife or a machete up in the first place.”
The charity runs an early intervention program at Taylors Lakes Secondary College, something that Mr Lacey believes provides youths with crucial access to help.
“When a child is starting to rebel and make poor decisions … it is incredibly difficult for parents and teachers and teachers to effectively intervene,” he said.
“That’s why providing effective support through schools is so important, with the benefit of a youth worker to build trust and … bring in other support services.”
Mr Lacey said this can come in a variety of forms but that the bottom line is getting to the root cause of the problem before it is too late.
“Whether that be in the form of mental health, family support, alcohol or drugs counselling, or simply involving the child in positive activities and mentoring – the youth worker is there to support both the child and the family.”
The organisation was driven by the words of their late founder.
“As Les would have said, ‘let’s keep kids out of courtrooms and in classrooms’,” said Mr Lacey.
