The Les Twentyman Foundation has welcomed the Victorian Government’s establishment of a new Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), describing it as a major step toward addressing the root causes of youth crime and helping young people stay engaged in school, family and community life.
Victoria’s new VRU — backed by $19.8 million — will take a preventative, community-focused approach that reflects what frontline youth workers have long known: early intervention works. The Government has also invested $7.7 million in youth mentoring, recognising the critical role trusted adults play in keeping young people safe, supported and connected.
For more than 40 years, the Les Twentyman Foundation has delivered outreach youth support, mentoring, the Youth Support Service (YSS) and the School Outreach Support Service (SOSS). These programs have helped thousands of vulnerable young people stay in school, rebuild stability at home, avoid police contact and choose positive pathways.
LTF CEO Paul Burke said the VRU’s whole-of-government mandate reflects what the Foundation has been advocating for decades.
“We strongly welcome the creation of Victoria’s Violence Reduction Unit. Our frontline experience shows that when you invest early — in schools, in families, and through sustained outreach youth support — you can prevent young people from ever reaching the point of serious offending.
The Government’s commitment to a preventative, data-driven and community-based approach is exactly what’s needed. We look forward to working with the VRU and sharing the lessons we’ve learned over four decades supporting at-risk young people.”
General Manager – Programs Chris Lacey said the VRU’s emphasis on early intervention, mentoring and coordinated community engagement aligns directly with what works on the ground.
“Violence is not inevitable — we see that every day.
When a young person is supported by someone who understands their world, when outreach youth workers intervene early, and when schools and community services work together, young people make better choices and reconnect with the things that matter.
Our YSS, SOSS and mentoring programs have helped thousands re-engage with education and avoid further offending. The VRU provides a framework to expand that impact across Victoria.”
To support the rollout of the VRU, the Foundation has offered to contribute in an advisory capacity and participate in the VRU’s community reference group, helping ensure that the voices of vulnerable young people inform Victoria’s prevention strategy.
Paul Burke said the Foundation stands ready to work alongside government to strengthen community safety:
“If Victoria is to become a global leader in preventing youth violence, we must invest in early intervention, listen to communities, and back evidence-based programs that keep kids connected and safe.
The Violence Reduction Unit is a powerful opportunity to do exactly that — and we are ready to help.”
The Les Twentyman Foundation welcomes this significant step toward long-term community safety — ensuring that youth crime is prevented before it starts and that every young person has the chance to thrive.