- State Government to take over PCYC safeSPACE funding in five locations
- $4.6 million commitment so at-risk-youth can access support free of charge
- Program benefits vulnerable young people across the State
The Cook Labor Government has ensured Police and Community Youth Centres (PCYC) can continue to deliver the safeSPACE program - a vital early intervention initiative which supports Western Australian youth.
The free referral-based program provides at-risk-youth with access to a secure location and warm meals, as well as educational and recreational activities they may not otherwise experience.
Initially funded by the Commonwealth Government, residents in Broome, Bunbury, Carnarvon, Geraldton, and Gosnells have benefited from safeSPACE with close to 1,000 children participating last year.
The program focuses on participants' strengths, giving the young people a break from their complex and often challenging home environments.
In addition to the immediate benefits, safeSPACE also helps children develop positive relations with police, qualified youth workers, and cultural leaders.
It also fosters leadership skills and improves cultural awareness and connection.
SafeSPACE delivers more than 300 hours of safe and relevant education and development activities for young people across the five locations every month.
The Cook Labor Government already funds safeSPACE in Collie and Kununurra. The Commonwealth continues to financially support the initiative in Roebourne and Kalgoorlie, while Roebourne's weekend safeSPACE program is funded by Rio Tinto.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"SafeSPACE is a well-loved and much needed initiative which invests in young West Australians.
"Each location has a tailored schedule co-designed by local Police, community members and participants.
"This allows individual communities to deliver region-specific care which increases the positive impacts on participants.
"Engaging with at-risk children, helps them to develop life skills and can prevent them from becoming tangled in the criminal justice system.
"We're proud to be support Western Australia's PCYCs and applaud the incredible efforts of its staff."
