- Ngala appointed to deliver the Target 120 program in Carnarvon
- Early intervention program steering at-risk young people away from the criminal justice system, helping to create safer communities
- Around half of all participants have had no further contact with police
Ngala has today been announced as the successful service provider to deliver the McGowan Government's Target 120 program in Carnarvon.
Ngala has worked with the Carnarvon community for several years and will build on its established local relationships with the community to deliver Target 120.
The appointment builds on this early intervention program's success in other locations, where it is helping to steer young people at risk of offending away from the criminal justice system by connecting them with tailored services and supports.
Those delivering the program work across services and agencies to tackle the various factors that can increase a young person's likelihood of offending, including substance abuse, poor attendance at school, lack of housing, family and domestic violence, trauma and mental health issues.
Target 120 has proven to be extremely successful to date, with nearly half of all participants not having had any further contact with police since their commencement in the program.
Since 2018, $31.5 million has been invested by the McGowan Government to deliver and expand Target 120 to a total of 20 sites.
This includes $11.1 million announced in the 2022-23 State Budget to roll out the program to an additional nine locations, including Carnarvon.
Carnarvon is the 17th Target 120 site to be rolled out by the McGowan Government.
Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:
"Our Government is taking action to address youth crime and social issues in our regions. The launch of our 17th Target 120 location in Carnarvon clearly shows this.
"This program builds meaningful relationships with participants and their families, empowering them to make decisions that get their lives back on track. With the right support, we can help change the course of a young person's life.
"The key to getting them engaged in a positive and meaningful way is through appointing local organisations with existing connections and understanding of the community. Ngala is a great example of this, and I look forward to seeing how they can continue supporting our young people and their families."
Minister's office - 6552 6100
