After-Hours Pilot Launched to Curb Youth Reoffending
A new diversion program as part of the Tasmanian Government’s Youth Justice Blueprint has been launched in the Northern Suburbs of Hobart.
The Youth After-hours Diversion Service, known as YADS, pilot has commenced in the Glenorchy and Bridgewater Police Divisions with the intent of diverting young people away from the justice system and increasing community safety.
Minister for Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said it will be delivered in partnership with the community services sector and Tasmania Police.
“The Youth After-hours Diversion Service pilot will deliver an after-hours referral service to children and young people coming into contact with police and where a responsible adult cannot be identified or requires support,” Minister Jaensch said.
“Investment in these diversionary processes not only delivers better outcomes for children, but also reduces future expenditure in the youth and adult justice systems and costs to the community.”
The Youth Justice Blueprint is a key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and outlines our plan to reduce youth reoffending and improve life outcomes for at-risk young people.
The Youth After-hours Diversion Service pilot responds to Strategy 2 of the Youth Justice Blueprint 2024-2034, which aims to ensure diversions from the justice system is early and lasting.
The service will be delivered as an initial six-month pilot by Anglicare and CatholicCare. Evaluation through social action research will then inform a second six month period.
The pilot is part of the first stage of a larger diversion program, with the second stage to focus on integrated case management and specialised accommodation services.
https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/latest-news/2025/may/after-hours-diversion-pilot-launches-to-help-young-people-to-stop-reoffending