UPDATE: A staggering 450 young people annually are being turned away from crucial support services in Bendigo, as the demand for help skyrockets. The Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS) reveals that only 14% of the estimated 520 vulnerable individuals seeking assistance each year receive the aid they desperately need. This alarming situation unfolds as Premier Jacinta Allan has just announced plans to increase the incarceration of youth offenders, stating, “There are too many victims, not enough consequences.”
The rising demand for support comes amidst a troubling increase in youth crime, with incidents involving individuals aged 10 to 17 up by nearly 300 cases since 2021, according to data from the Crime Statistics Agency. YSAS manager Maggie Hamilton warns that without adequate funding and resources, the cycle of crime will only worsen. “People want safety, not theatre. Evidence shows youth-tailored responses reduce crime more effectively than adult sentencing,” she emphasized.
At YSAS, 10 young people walk through their doors each week, seeking help after being involved in violent incidents as either victims or perpetrators. Currently, YSAS can only support a maximum of 70 young people at a time, leaving many in dire need of assistance on waitlists. Some staff members are managing as many as 15 cases simultaneously, highlighting the severe strain on available resources.
In response to the escalating crisis, the government has introduced a new Violence Reduction Unit. This initiative aims to address the root causes of violent crime by employing social workers and utilizing police intelligence to connect young people with positive influences. Hamilton has welcomed this government plan but insists that more funding is crucial for frontline services like hers to make a significant impact.
As this urgent situation develops, the community is left wondering how these new measures will effectively reduce youth crime and provide necessary support. The pressing need for immediate action is clear, as young lives hang in the balance.
Authorities urge local residents to stay informed and engaged as the government works towards solutions that could potentially reshape the future for vulnerable youth in Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Echuca. The stakes have never been higher, and the community is called to rally for more resources and support for these young individuals in crisis.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.
