The Les Twentyman Foundation was recently featured in Star Weekly following an interview with CEO Paul Burke about the drivers of youth crime and, importantly, what can be done to prevent young people from reaching the point of serious offending.
With more than 30 years of experience working alongside young people, families and communities, the Les Twentyman Foundation has seen firsthand the difference early, consistent and meaningful support can make.
Our work is focused on keeping young people connected — to education, their families, their communities and positive opportunities. By building strong relationships and providing support when challenges first emerge, we can help young people overcome barriers before they escalate.
Investing in young people early
Paul highlighted the need for greater investment in early intervention services, particularly for young people who may be disengaging from education, experiencing difficulties at home or becoming disconnected from their community.
“As a society we have under-invested in early intervention services when it comes to young people. That plays a big part.”
Through programs including school outreach, youth support and case management, our Youth Workers work alongside young people and the people around them to understand what is happening in their lives and identify practical ways forward.
This support can extend well beyond the young person themselves. Our teams work with families, parents, guardians, siblings, schools and other services to create a stronger network of support around each young person.
Prevention creates safer communities
While policing and a visible law enforcement presence have an important role to play in community safety, prevention must also be part of the conversation.
For the Les Twentyman Foundation, prevention means giving young people the opportunity to change direction before they become entrenched in the youth justice system.
Our Youth Support Service provides case management to young people aged 10–17 who enter the justice system, with 80 per cent of the young people supported through the program not re-engaging with the justice system.
This demonstrates the potential impact of investing in intensive, personalised support that addresses the underlying challenges young people are facing.
“They are one of the keys to reducing youth crime, to making our community feel safer and to making people feel safer.”
— Paul Burke, CEO, Les Twentyman Foundation
The conversation around youth crime is complex, but our experience is clear: early intervention matters.
When we invest in young people early, provide them with trusted adults and meaningful support, and keep them connected to education, family and community, we have a greater opportunity to change their trajectory and build safer communities for everyone.
Read the full article in Star Weekly here