The Queensland Government has added School Support and Child Safety Officers to its Youth Co-Responder Teams as part of the battle against youth crime.
The teams have also been made permanent and will operate across all 15 police districts.
The Government said in a statement that the teams would help at-risk youth and their families comply with their bail conditions, reduce reoffending and re-engage in education and the community.
“The integration of school support and child safety officers will strengthen information sharing between the Queensland Police Service, Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support and Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety,” the statement said.
“Child safety officers will bolster Youth Co-Responder Teams in Cairns, Caboolture and Logan.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber said the new, strengthened Co-Responder Teams were critical to restoring safety to communities.
“These teams not only target serious repeat offenders causing the most harm in our communities but, they also deliver critical early intervention to stop crime before it starts,” she said.
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said the Co-Responders played a critical role and the addition of Child Safety Officers in three pilot locations was critical in ensuring young people in the state’s care are safe.
“The Child Safety Officers will conduct risk assessments on children in care, analyse child protection information on the ground and assist in returning children to their placements to ensure their safety and community safety,” she said.
