The most extensive suite of measures to address the issue of young offenders ever seen in the Territory will commence in the coming weeks.

Back on Track includes programs that have a track record of preventing further crime such as victim conferencing and youth diversion programs.

34 early referrals have already been made to the Back on Track program.  

In the lead up to the programs commencing, a new referral panel has been established to assess those referred and provide advice to the Police and Courts. The panel is made up of experts from different fields to ensure that the Police and Courts are provided with good information on which to base referral decisions. 

For the first time in the Territory, Police, government agencies and NGOs will now be able to refer young people under the age of criminal responsibility (8-9 years old) to programs that will change behaviour and break the cycle of youth crime.

The Back on Track programs will come into full effect on 9 September.

Quotes from Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield

“Young people who do the wrong thing will face the consequences because all Territorians have the right to be safe.

“For the first time in the Territory, we will now also be able to work with at-risk young people under the age of 10 through early intervention and prevention programs.

“The Government’s new Back on Track program tackles youth crime by giving Police and Courts the ability to get young people into youth diversion programs that will change behaviour such as victim conferencing.

“We already have 34 early referrals for the Back on Track program. The organisations that we have partnered with across the Territory are experienced in working with at-risk young people to change behaviour and ensure that they face the impact of their offending.”

Media contact: Paige Nguyen 0428 727 244