The Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) in Bendigo is grappling with an overwhelming demand for assistance, as more than 450 young people are turned away or placed on waitlists each year. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of government plans to impose stricter consequences on youth offenders, including the introduction of the Adult Time for Violent Crime bill, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan.
YSAS reports that only 14 percent of the estimated 520 vulnerable youth seeking help each year receive the necessary support. The significant surge in demand has prompted concerns from frontline workers about the adequacy of existing resources.
Maggie Hamilton, manager at YSAS, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “People want safety, not theatre,” she stated, highlighting that evidence shows youth-focused responses are more effective in reducing crime compared to adult sentencing.
In Bendigo, young individuals seeking help face various challenges. Approximately 10 young people enter YSAS each week, some of whom have been involved in violent incidents as either victims or perpetrators. Currently, YSAS is equipped to support a maximum of 70 young people at any given time, meaning many requests for assistance go unmet. Some staff members are managing up to 15 cases simultaneously, further straining the service’s capacity.
Data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals that alleged crimes committed by individuals aged 10 to 17 in Bendigo increased by nearly 300 cases compared to 2021. Allegations against those aged 18 to 24 are also at their highest levels since that year. Hamilton argues that increasing funding could significantly help reduce these numbers and provide support to youth in surrounding regions, including Castlemaine and Echuca.
In response to the escalating issues, the government has announced plans for a new Violence Reduction Unit. This initiative aims to incorporate social workers and apply strategies modeled after successful programs in London and Glasgow. This unit intends to utilize police intelligence to address the root causes of violent crime and coordinate existing prevention programs, connecting young people with positive role models.
While Hamilton welcomes the government’s initiative to prevent crime before it occurs, she maintains that additional funding for organizations like YSAS is crucial for making a real impact. “We need resources to flatten the curve,” she stated, underlining the urgent need for support in addressing the growing crisis among youth in Bendigo.
As the demand for youth services continues to rise, it is evident that the community’s approach to youth support needs a fundamental shift. Without adequate resources, the cycle of crime and victimization is likely to persist, underscoring the critical need for investment in preventive measures and timely assistance for vulnerable young people.
