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Bright outlook for
after-dark patrols
Night patrols are to be expanded in Kununurra to deter children from roaming the streets late at night.
Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney said the Government had provided $97,000 to the East Kimberley arm of Save the Children to operate the patrols.
Mrs McSweeney said the patrols would transport children back to a safe place (to their parents, carers or family members) and offer guidance to young people to refrain from risk-taking behaviours like alcohol and drug use, juvenile delinquency, exchanging sex for favours and violence.
“Children on the streets at night is an ongoing issue in Kununurra where young people are exposing themselves to risk and in some cases getting involved in criminal behaviour,” she said.
“The aim of the youth patrol is to prevent harm to children, reach them before they get into trouble, provide youth intervention and maintain community peace and safety.”
She said young people roamed the streets at night because of an unsafe home life, alcohol abuse by parents, family violence, neglect, lack of parental care and boredom.
Mrs McSweeney said the patrols would have links to the Miriwoong Gajirrabeng Youth Worker Project (MGYWP) in Kununurra, which included the Waringarri Chilling Space, overseen by Save the Children.
“MGYWP offers a range of programs and diversionary activities to help reduce juvenile crime and promote social and cultural development among young people,” she said.
Edition 121, 24 January 2012
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