Crime plan targets at-risk youth

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 650, 20 August 1996, Page 1

Crime plan targets at-risk youth

Support for youth at risk and for their families to try to reduce crime is part of the Strategic Action Plan for Waimarino, which is to be the subject for discussion at a public meeting next week (see classified adverti sements). The draft action plan was presented to the Waimarino Community Board at their last meeting, when Taumarunui Safer Community Council co-ordinator Pat McOnie explained that it was just a draft and that it was essential that the community have input into the final document. A number of goals are set out in the plan with strategies outlined to try to achieve them. To support young people at risk, two marae-based activity programmes for at-risk youth would be established; after-school activities would be established in consultation with schools; programmes in schools would be facilitated to try to decrease the incidence of violerice in schools; visits by prominent entertainers, sports people and other achievers would be encouraged to promote positive role models for young people. Finally, under the heading of young people at risk, a project that "channels young people into positive creativity" would be supported, specifically a hui with Penny Eames entitled "Arts as a Solution". Under the goal "to reduce family violence and support at-risk families", strategies are to initiate living without violence courses; to improve the quality of parenting in at-risk families (by encouraging community groups to establish and run programmes); and to set up self-defence

programmes with assertiveness skills. The concerns of victims or potential victims of crime are included, with a strategy "to support key agencies addressing concerns of victims" suggested, mentioning the Waimarino Victim Support group and the Raetihi Night Patrol. "This section needs to be developed further and requires your input," states Mrs McOnie in the plan. "Identify and support the access of education and training in the community," is Goal Four in the plan. Strategies include "to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol, drugs, anger, sexual, physical and solvent abuse on the lives of teenagers" and to develop a self-esteem programme for Maori youth. The Safer Community Council would facilitate'a "Project Week Awareness programme twice annually for 15 young people each time, having identified the 15 young people through referrals from police, schools and other agencies". The plan suggests investigating the development of "Para Whakawai" — - a programme which incorporates the traditional practice of Maori weaponry and associated disciplines along with Te Reo. The last goal outlined in the plan covers communication, with support for "co-ordination of services" promoted. Under this heading, regularnews releases would be prepared and the Waimarino Safer Community Working Party (yet to be formed) membership defined "so that it is representative of the Waimarino community".