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Our new campaign to fix youth justice in Victoria - #WorthASecondChance

Publication date: 3 September 2018

For many years, Victoria led the country in supporting kids in trouble. Now we are seeing a negative shift towards harsh punishments that close the door on kids early. 

We want to give young people in crisis the support they need to get their lives back on track. This is better for them and the only way to make our communities safer in the long run.

That’s why we launched the #WorthASecondChance campaign and we are asking the people of Victoria to join with us to call for the youth justice system our community deserves.

We believe that youth justice in Victoria can be fixed by:

Strengthening the foundations of our youth justice system and reinstating the approaches that will make our communities safer.

Supporting kids and communities to prevent offending by investing more in the programs proven to work, such as early intervention, local community initiatives and education.

Giving kids the help they need to get back on track by providing support of the highest quality to young people in trouble to prevent further crime and improve outcomes.

We believe all young people are #WorthASecondChance. We’re asking you to join us in our campaign for a more effective youth justice system for all – this is a grass-roots campaign relying on people like you to call for change. 

We’re asking you to join us.

  1. Add your name to the #WorthASecondChance campaign petition at www.worthasecondchance.com.au and we’ll send you a weekly update on the progress of our campaign.
  2. Volunteer to host a Kitchen Table Conversation with your friends, family or neighbours to contribute to a ‘people’s platform’ for youth justice in Victoria. We’ll send you through a Kitchen Table Conversation kit, and support you to hold the event. Your ideas matter, and we want to hear from you.

The #WorthASecondChance campaign is driven by the experiences and stories of young people who’ve been involved with the youth justice system. You can watch their stories on the campaign website: www.worthasecondchance.com.au/stories

You can also contact Andrew Yule, Jesuit Social Services General Manager Strategic Communications & Engagement, on 03 9421 7600 or andrew.yule@jss.org.au if you want to volunteer, share your story or contribute to the campaign in other ways.

Want to find out more?

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