New reports confirm that over 450 young people are being turned away from essential services each year in Bendigo, highlighting a critical gap in support. The Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) reveals that only 14 percent of the estimated 520 vulnerable youths seeking help actually receive it, just as the government ramps up efforts to detain more youth offenders.
This urgent situation comes amidst Premier Jacinta Allan‘s announcement of the controversial “Adult Time for Violent Crime” bill, aimed at increasing penalties for young offenders. “There are too many victims, not enough consequences,” stated Allan. However, frontline workers like YSAS manager Maggie Hamilton argue that early intervention is the key to preventing crime.
“People want safety, not theatre. The evidence consistently shows that youth-tailored responses reduce crimes more effectively than adult sentencing,” Hamilton emphasized.
In Bendigo, the demand for support is staggering. YSAS reports that approximately 10 young people seek assistance each week, many of whom are victims or perpetrators of violence. Currently, YSAS can only support 70 youths at a time due to funding constraints, leaving many stranded on waitlists or without help.
This crisis is underscored by alarming crime statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency, which show that crimes committed by individuals aged 10 to 17 have surged by nearly 300 cases since 2021, with those aged 18 to 24 facing the highest crime rates recorded since that year.
Hamilton advocates for increased funding to tackle these issues effectively, not only in Bendigo but also in surrounding areas such as Castlemaine and Echuca. She welcomes the government’s newly announced Violence Reduction Unit, which aims to prevent serious crimes before they happen by employing social workers to address the root causes of violence. Modeled after successful programs in London and Glasgow, this initiative seeks to coordinate existing prevention strategies and connect young people with positive influences.
While Hamilton supports this proactive approach, she remains hopeful that more resources will be directed to organizations like hers to truly flatten the curve of youth crime.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With youth crime rates rising and support systems overwhelmed, immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable young individuals in Bendigo and beyond.
What happens next? Advocates are calling for more robust funding and community support to ensure that every young person in need can access the help they deserve, potentially changing the trajectory of their lives for the better.
As discussions continue, the community is urged to stay informed and engaged with these critical developments impacting their youth and future.
