POLICE youth resource officers (YROS) were frustrated by poor attendances at programs to help disadvantaged youth reconnect with the community.
Then they discovered that young people faced problems getting to programs because of a lack of transport or Myki card credit.
“Our experience, which is backed by Census results, identifies transport as a major limiting factor,” said Frankston YRO Andrea Kardos.
So, the officers working in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region asked Menzies Caring for Kids for help.
The Frankston-based organisation that has a history of childcare going back to 1851 has agreed to provide a 12-seater van and pay maintenance and running costs for three years.
Menzies Caring for Kids president Georgia Symmons said Menzies wanted to help organisations like Victoria Police “to make a real difference in the lives of at risk young people”.
She said that Menzies looked forward to working with police and other agencies on the project.
Over the past five years police YROs have been involved in programs aimed at reconnecting young people with the community, family and education. The programs are aimed at victims, offenders, and those at risk of entering any form of out-of-home care.
An example is Blue Light Basketball at Somerville Recreation Centre each Tuesday during the school year.
Offenders from Frankston Children’s Court, residents of DHHS residential accommodation, disengaged youth, community volunteers, police and other youth services arrange the basketball as an engagement opportunity.
The DHHS residents are invited and express their intent to attend, but rarely show, said Andrea Kardos.
“When asked about the reasons, they say that no worker was available to drive them, and it’s too hard to get to Somerville by public transport.
“As a result they are not engaged.”
Kardos said that the mini bus would ensure the young people’s involvement in activities.
Courtesy BusinessTimes
