Berry Street claims reduction in youth crime

TWO Ballarat programs have slashed youth crime in the region by as much as fifty four per cent, according to the family services organisation that runs them.

Berry Street staff report the Ballarat Youth Crime Prevention Project – an early intervention service for young people with a demonstrated risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system – has provided support for more than 150 families through its Multi-Agency Support Team.

Over the past five years, MAST results have shown a reduction in youth crime of between 48 and 54 per cent, a 29 per cent decrease in police contact among youth, a 43 per cent drop in criminal charges and a 44 per cent downturn in reports of missing young people.

MAST connects young people aged between 10 and 17, many with experience of family and domestic violence, with their own support team to address issues that put them at risk of offending.

By co-ordinating with a wide range of local agencies, staff connect participants with community services like sporting groups, education and training, youth services, police, and Berry Street family services.

The second initiative, the Goldfields Education Model, is a multi-agency partnership that focuses on improving educational outcomes for young people aged 15 to 18.

It uses a trauma-informed curriculum tailored to at-risk youth and combines case management with specialised services to support their unique needs.

Berry Street’s work focuses on the early intervention of risk factors by engaging communities, supporting families and advocating for systemic change.

Its strategic engagement executive director Heidi Reid said the two programs could be used as models around Australia.

“The MAST program and Goldfields Education Model have shown what can be achieved when we address youth crime early and with a trauma-informed approach,” Ms Reid said.

“Almost all of the children and young people in our care, including those in early intervention, have experienced family violence.

“This is critical to their success because primary prevention isn’t just about changing existing behaviour; it’s about addressing the trauma these young people have faced.

“Investing in these kinds of programs is the only way we can break the cycle of intergenerational violence and seeing lasting behaviour change when it comes to youth crime.

“Berry Street has seen how these community-based models can make a real difference in the lives of at-risk children and young people, which is why we’re advocating for similar programs to be implemented throughout the country.”