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When Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge announced a recent funding boost for a program devoted to diverting young people from the justice system, she acknowledged the key role that Jesuit Social Services had played in the ensuring the funding increase.

"Anyone one knows Jesuit Social Services CEO, Julie Edwards, will know what a ferocious advocate she is for young people," said the Minister.

"We are more than prepared to put our money where our mouths are. What we are doing is based on strong evidence of success. It also makes financial sense."

The Minister said the State Government has committed $5.15m over the next four years to expand Youth Justice Group Conferencing (YJGC) across the state. The funding boost will enable Magistrates to request an additional 650 young people participate in the program and provide new support services for victims who participate in the group conference process.

Youth Justice Group Conferencing is a legislated diversionary program providing a community rehabilitation intervention in the Children's Court at the pre-sentence stage. It brings together those involved in an offence including the young person, their family and the victims of the crime.

All participants tell their story and how they were affected by the crime, then suggest how the young person might repair the harm they have caused. This becomes the basis for a plan which is provided to the Magistrate to consider when sentencing.

"A recent evaluation by KPMG found that the group conferencing program is effective and efficient in diverting young people from the youth justice system and significantly reducing re-offending," said Ms Wooldridge.

"Victims were positive about their opportunity to meet with the offender and have a say about how they should make amends for their crime."

The Minister made the funding announcement at the Brosnan Youth Services in Brunswick, a program of Jesuit Social Services.

Across Victoria, youth justice group conferencing services will be provided by: Jesuit Social Services in metropolitan Melbourne; Centacare in the Grampians; Barwon Youth and Brophy Family and Youth Services in Barwon South West; Anglicare in Gippsland; Centacare in Loddon Mallee; and Salvation Army Brayton Youth Services in Hume.

"The Victorian Government is committed to tackling violence, crime and anti-social behaviour," said Ms Wooldridge.

"We are building a youth justice system that ensures better outcomes for young offenders, and effective pathways for rehabilitation and community integration."

Jesuit Social Services CEO, Julie Edwards, described the Group Conferencing services as a "tried and true program – we know it works".

"We have found through our extensive work that locking young people up and throwing away the key just doesn't work," she said.

Program participant 'Richard' said he had felt 'empowered' during his time in group conferencing.

"I wanted to meet the victims of my crimes and their families and then to apologise to them sincerely."

Patricia Faulkner, chairman of Jesuit Social Services, said at the announcement that "for 35 years, Jesuit Social Services has worked alongside Governments and with the community to reduce crime, make our communities safer and help assist people who have come into contact with the justice system to move on with their lives,"

"We know that Group Conferencing works and we were really pleased in late 2010 when KPMG evaluated our program and found that within 24 months only 19% of conference participants re-offended compared to 43% of young people placed on Probation or a Youth Supervision Order."

"With increased funding support we are confident of further success."

MEDIA RELEASE