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Youth Referral And Independent Person Program Funding Secured The Victorian Coalition Government has secured the future of an important youth support service. Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program (YRIPP) By Russell Northe - 4th July 2011 - Back to News provided a free 24-hour service for young people who were interviewed by police when a parent or guardian was unavailable to attend the police station."More than 350 trained volunteers are available to attend over 100 police stations across Victoria, including Latrobe Valley and the Gippsland region to offer support to young people under the age of 18 who are being questioned by police," Mr Northe said. "This is an important service that supports young people at a time when they are most vulnerable and the Victorian Coalition Government understands the ongoing need for this program in the community." Mr Northe said the previous Labor Government made no provision for the program in future budgets, leaving staff, volunteers and users of YRIPP uncertain about the program’s future beyond 30 June 2011. "The Coalition Government highly values the contribution of volunteers in undertaking the role of independent persons during police interviews and we will ensure it receives ongoing financial support from the State Government," Mr Northe said. "In 2011-2012 the program will be funded internally through the Department of Justice, and ongoing funding allocations will be sought as part of the Budget process." Mr Northe said the YRIPP was one of a range of programs and initiatives funded by the Coalition Government to support young people across the state. For more information about the YRIPP visit: http://www.cmy.net.au/YRIPP/YRIPPhome
Media contact: Russell Northe 0408 225 523 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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