Two leading-edge youth justice programs are intervening earlier, often for young people in the latter years of primary school.

The Cockatoo Initiative has been supporting young people in the Riverina since November 2024, delivering targeted intervention and support to young people aged 8-17. Meanwhile, My Path in Penrith has been supporting young people aged 8-12 since January 2025.

“We have always believed in the need to try and help young people get on the path to a better life journey; by investing in these programs in the Riverina and Western Sydney, we are providing early support when they need it most,” Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said. “Through the Cockatoo Initiative and My Path, the NSW Government is keeping communities safer by prioritising early intervention and prevention programs that support at-risk young people and help keep them out of the justice system.”

The programs are being trialled in a metropolitan and regional location to develop and test their impact. They have been developed with community groups to identify and provide support at times when intervention is required, such as a young person disengaging from school, being exposed to domestic violence or engaging in alcohol and drug use. These are known risk factors for future interaction with the youth justice system.

Around 200 young people and their families to date have been involved in the diversionary efforts, which aim to reduce the risk of violent behaviour and help them make positive changes in their lives. A further 488 young people were supported through groupwork or community events during school holidays.

The programs are designed to be youth-friendly and culturally safe, offering Aboriginal children and young people the opportunity to spend time with local elders, as well as First Nations mentors and youth workers who provide leadership, development and cultural support.

These pilots are part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to reduce youth crime and reoffending, including through early intervention and diversion programs.

“This is about helping young people earlier than before — early intervention to strengthen community safety,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said. “Programs like these can reduce the chances of young people ending up in the traditional youth justice system — that’s good for the young person and for community safety.”

In both locations, teams of specialists are working to support young people to re-engage in school, maintain strong and positive family relationships, and engage in positive social activities. This work complements existing support for young people who may already have had contact with the criminal justice system, providing additional assistance to both young people and their families.

This funding builds on the NSW Government’s record sustained investment in diversion programs, including $1.3 million over two years to continue Keep on Track in Moree, Narrabri, Armidale and Tamworth. The government has committed more than $88 million towards early intervention and diversion programs over four years, ensuring the continued delivery of these essential programs.

“Early intervention plays an important role in diverting young people away from the justice system and in doing so, that protects the community from crime while giving hope of a better future to youngsters who might otherwise fall through the cracks,” Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said.

Read also: Children exiting the youth justice system are at risk