Early intervention and diversionary youth justice services have been made a priority in the 2024-25 Tasmanian Budget.
Minister for Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said the Tasmanian Government was committed to developing a youth justice system that achieves better outcomes for young people and their families, while keeping the community safe.
"In the 2024-25 Budget we have committed a total of $15.85 million over four years, in line with Commission of Inquiry recommendations, and our Youth Justice Blueprint," Minister Jaensch said.
"There is $8.6 million over four years for Community Youth Justice and early intervention and diversionary programs that address underlying offending behaviours and support offenders in reintegrating into the community.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, JCP Youth will be provided with $3.7 million over three years to support their innovative model, which offers a community-based response to at-risk youth 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"The initiative will provide additional facilitators to increase engagement with high-risk participants, update vehicles and support the Safe House, which provides eight respite accommodation options.
"A further investment of $2.3 million over three years will build on the Youth Justice Blueprint and will support innovative local initiatives and partnerships that target the root causes of youth offending in local communities."
The Tasmanian Government has also allocated $1.25 million to the Department of Premier and Cabinet as part of Youth Justice Reform Taskforce to commence the establishment of assisted bail and transition from detention services.
