Anglicare Victoria received $350,000 specifically for the extension of the ReBoot program which is based in Morwell and works with young people across the Latrobe Valley. ReBoot runs in partnership with local police, Quantum Support Services, Berry Street and Latrobe Valley Flexible Learning Options.

This is the only ReBoot program currently in Victoria, however there are similar early intervention projects throughout Victoria aimed at supporting at-risk young people. Many young people in the Latrobe Valley have participated in the ReBoot program to date, but the program currently has capacity to support up to 30 young people at a time.

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ReBoot project

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced Anglicare Victoria would receive funding for the extension of the ReBoot project, an early intervention program that provides intensive support to young people aged 10-14 years who have a demonstrated risk of engaging with the criminal justice system or are currently engaged in low level offending, focusing on protection, education, dedicated mentorship, community and positive experiences.

The program aims to address offending and recidivism among young people aged 10 to 24 who have either had contact with or have demonstrated risk of being involved with the criminal justice system by investing in dedicated community partnerships projects.

Projects funded through the program engage with young people through coaching, mentoring, employment and education opportunities to address the underlying causes of offending and steer them away from the justice system. This funding builds on Anglicare's strong community involvement, allowing them to respond to the needs of local youth and provide opportunities and services for young people that put them on the right path.

Providing intensive support

These community-led projects for young people are run in partnership with councils, service providers, not-for-profit groups and police. The funding is part of the state government's Youth Crime Prevention Grants program which received $4.4 million in the 2021-22 State Budget to extend projects across Victoria for an additional 12 months.

Since 2016 the government has invested over $22 million, providing intensive support to more than 1000 young people. More than 2000 young people have participated in pro-social activities delivered by these projects.

Better future for young people

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins said, "Our Youth Crime Prevention Grants have successfully helped community designed programs support vulnerable young people to keep their lives on track. By supporting young people we're creating a better future for them, and a safer future for all Victorians"

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "The ReBoot project will help make sure young people across the Latrobe Valley get the support they need to stay connected and engaged. Thank you to the staff from Anglicare for their incredible work over the past four years. I'm proud the Andrews Labor Government is continuing to fund this important project."

For more information visit the youth crime prevention grants program.

Pictures from Anglicare Victoria Facebook page.