The Victorian government has announced a $5.6 million initiative aimed at reducing youth crime through early intervention in schools. Starting in the 2026 school year, social workers will be deployed in 20 selected government schools to support students at risk of dropping out, a factor that significantly increases their likelihood of engaging in violent crime.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), which has a total budget of $27 million. The VRU seeks to rehabilitate youth offenders and deter potential criminal behavior by employing a public health model inspired by successful approaches in Scotland. The social workers, officially designated as Early Intervention Officers, will focus on children showing signs of disengagement from education and potential tendencies towards violence and anti-social behavior.
The announcement follows a series of stringent crime policies introduced by the Labor government in response to growing concerns regarding crime and youth offending. Among these measures is a proposed law that would allow courts to try children for violent crimes as adults, potentially subjecting offenders as young as 14 years to life sentences for serious offenses such as armed robbery and home invasions.
Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the importance of early intervention in preventing crime. “Children who commit violent crimes should face serious consequences. But there are no easy solutions, and the best approach is to intervene early and stop crime before it starts,” she stated. The Early Intervention Officers will work closely with the entire school community to help steer at-risk children toward more positive life choices.
Education Minister Ben Carrol noted that maintaining school attendance and fostering positive peer relationships are key factors in preventing at-risk children from engaging in criminal activities. He remarked, “Schools already do an incredible job, but we now need Early Intervention Officers to provide dedicated case management for troubled kids, using proven strategies to keep them at school and on the right track.”
Research conducted on youth offenders in Victoria highlights the importance of early intervention. A study of 70 serious offenders aged between 12 and 17 years found that 70 percent had experienced chronic absenteeism from school prior to their violent behavior. Many had been suspended, with three being expelled, while also exhibiting poor academic performance and mental health challenges.
The government has yet to finalize the selection of the 20 schools that will benefit from this program. Officials plan to use data, intelligence, and consultations with school communities to determine which institutions will host the Early Intervention Officers.
This initiative marks a proactive shift in addressing youth crime in Victoria, heralding a focus on prevention rather than solely punitive measures. By investing in the well-being of at-risk students, the government aims to foster safer communities and healthier futures for young people across the state.
