Our General Manager of Programs, Chris Lacey, recently spoke with ABC Melbourne’s Rafael Epstein about the pressing issue of youth incarceration in Victoria. Youth workers are urging the Victorian Government to avoid a knee-jerk reaction when addressing bail laws for young people facing court.
Chris emphasized, “Locking kids in gaol… doesn’t make anyone safer, it’s the University of Crime.” He added, “All it does is increase the likelihood of that young person going on and committing more crimes.”
Lacey went on to express the significant costs associated with youth incarceration and what we could provide young people with those finances “It costs half a million dollars to lock a kid up in prison for a year and that would pay for 4 youth workers”.
The Les Twentyman Foundation advocates for the creation of more programs to engage youth before they become deeply involved in criminal activities. Let’s focus on early intervention, preventive measures and provide support to our young people.
Listen to full report online https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/locking-kids-up-doesn-t-solve-crime-says-youth-worker/104085194