Youth Action is urging the NSW Government to ensure the 'Operation Soteria' crackdown on youth crime is accompanied by robust investment in youth hubs, which address the root causes of crime by offering practical, proactive support to at-risk young people.
Youth hubs, already successfully in limited operation, provide young people with a one-stop shop to access support services and programs. Hubs aim particularly to support young people who have experienced trauma, poverty, or disengagement from education - factors known to drive youth crime. They offer opportunities for young people to gain essential life skills and connections to educational and employment pathways.
Youth Action CEO Lauren Stracey said if the state government was serious about preventing youth crime then investment in youth hubs needed to be a priority.
"If you are serious about addressing youth crime then you need to be serious about solutions that focus on early intervention, trust-building, and community-based support. Effective youth hubs offer exactly that: practical assistance, life skills, and advocacy delivered within an oasis of safety," Ms Stracey said.
"Youth hubs give young people access to support delivered by qualified staff with the right skills to actually engage meaningfully. This is critical to building safety and trust with young people, particularly those who have experienced difficult life situations, like family violence.
"Investing in youth hubs is not only the right moral choice, but is also economically sensible. Incarcerating a young person costs around $1 million per year. The hubs model has been demonstrated to provide young people with pathways to education and employment, reducing future dependence on social services and interactions with the justice system.
"A good youth hub is not merely a physical building, but a concept that is built to meet local community needs. When the design and implementation of these hubs are co-developed with young people, they become responsive to their needs which in turn drives the outcomes the government is seeking.
"Youth Action's recent consultations have told us loud and clear that young people appreciate immediate practical support such as assistance with navigating complex government processes, accessing food and hygiene resources, and engaging in meaningful, safe activities. These practical supports can significantly impact a young person's trajectory and reduce the likelihood of involvement in crime."
Youth Action recommends the NSW Government partner with local councils and specialist youth community organisations to establish and expand youth hubs, especially in regional areas. This partnership should include funding commitments that allow for adequate staffing including intensive support workers, activity coordinators, and Aboriginal support workers.
"Youth Action is ready to collaborate closely with the NSW Government to co-design these hubs with young people themselves, ensuring they are relevant, safe, accessible, and responsive to local community needs," Ms Stracey said.
About us:
Youth Action is the peak body for young people and youth services in NSW.
