Where we are up to
Due to the increased risk of COVID-19 to Aboriginal communities, the Aboriginal Youth Cautioning Program operated in a reduced capacity throughout 2020. This temporary step was undertaken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to young people, Aboriginal community members and police.
However, Victoria Police has now re-engaged with partnering agencies to reinvigorate the program, in adherence with Chief Health Officer directions. Victoria Police is currently seeking to identify opportunities to expand the program in the second half of 2021.
Background
The Aboriginal Youth Cautioning Program (AYCP) is a five year program of work, funded through the Victorian Government’s Community Safety Statement (External link). AYCP seeks to address the over-representation of Aboriginal young people in the criminal justice system, through greater use of cautioning and diversion options, through a community-led model based on the principles of self-determination, early intervention and harm-reduction.