On Track to Thrive is an early intervention program targeted at 5-to-9-year-olds who may be at risk of progressing to the criminal justice system.
The $7.8 million two-year pilot will provide a pathway to support children and their families to prevent offending.
Under the program, at-risk children will be referred to tailored and intensive support services focused on their health, home life and education.
Attorney General Dr Tony Buti said On Track to Thrive is an innovation that focuses on a young cohort whose negative behaviours until now have received no formalised response from authorities.
“Intervention at a younger age reduces the risk of children engaging in criminal behaviour when they are older, creating safer communities, and follows on from this Government’s investment in a range of programs, including support for young people on bail and investment in safe night spaces,” Buti said.
“This ground-breaking pilot program is a whole-of-government effort in partnership with community organisations and experts.
“It will give these kids the support they need to lead their best lives and make the community safer.”
The pilot has been designed to reflect the unique needs, strengths and contexts of the Armadale and Geraldton communities.
Each site will support up to 25 children a year with integrated, culturally responsive, trauma-informed support services.
Family participation in the program is voluntary, and each child will receive up to 12 months of wraparound support.
Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn said negative behaviours by younger children often reflect distress or disadvantage rather than deliberate intent.
“This program will respond to the root causes, not just the symptoms,” he said.
“The in-home support will help families get kids to school in the morning, connect parents or caregivers with existing services, and generally equip them to deal with challenges in their daily lives.”
On Track to Thrive is being delivered by the Department of Justice, in partnership with the WA Police Force and the Departments of Communities, Education and Health.
At each location, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will be working with families to support children who have been referred by WA Police.
Karla Kuliny had been engaged to deliver in-home support services in Armadale, while Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Services will provide health and in-home services in Geraldton.
A newly-appointed expert reference group of specialists with child development, cultural and community knowledge is also providing advice and oversight to the program.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat said young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system often have significantly higher rates of physical and mental health problems, and cognitive disabilities than others.
“The Department of Health and its service providers will help the children in this program to navigate and access health screening, and the services they need,” she said.
