- Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation appointed to deliver the Target 120 program in Karratha
- Early intervention program steering at-risk young people away from the criminal justice system, helping to create safer communities
- Nearly half of all participants have had no further contact with police
Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation has today been announced as the successful service provider to deliver the McGowan Government's Target 120 program in Karratha.
The appointment builds on the early intervention program's success in other locations, where it is helping to steer young people at risk of offending away from the criminal justice system by connecting them with tailored services and supports.
Those delivering the program work across services and agencies to tackle the various factors that can increase a young person's likelihood of offending, including substance abuse, poor attendance at school, lack of housing, family and domestic violence, trauma and mental health issues.
Target 120 has proven to be extremely successful to date, with nearly half of all participants not having had any further contact with police since their commencement in the program.
Since 2018, $31.5 million has been invested by the McGowan Government to deliver and expand Target 120 to a total of 20 sites.
This includes $11.1 million announced in the 2022-23 State Budget to roll out the program to an additional nine locations, including Karratha.
Of the new sites, the program is active in the Mandurah, Ellenbrook and Broome sites, with implementation underway in the remaining locations of Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Carnarvon, Derby and Newman.
As stated by Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:
"Target 120 has helped so many young people and their families, and I'm really proud to be part of a government that's delivering programs like this to help make meaningful and long-term change all over WA.
"We see the great results this program is achieving and know the best way to ensure it succeeds is to engage local service providers with a good understanding of their community and strong connections with local people.
"Karratha is the fifteenth Target 120 site to be rolled out in Western Australia, and more locations are being implemented as a priority across the State.
"This rollout is another example of the McGowan Government's commitment to improving the lives of young people, preventing them from getting caught up in crime and the criminal justice system, and creating safe and more connected communities."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michael
"I'm really pleased that Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation has been appointed to run the Karratha site to help address youth crime in our area.
"I look forward to seeing them work closely with local young people and their families to help make a positive difference to their lives and the community."
