Street Smart Program

Group of young people sitting on milk crates talking
 
 

The Street-Smart Project (SSP) is an outreach program that aims to support young people aged 10 – 24 years old who are involved or 'at risk' of involvement with the criminal justice system and who have or are at risk of developing drug and alcohol issues. The project focuses on those young people who are socially isolated and not accessing mainstream youth-related services.

The SSP adopts a form of outreach and street-based youth work that operates without a centre and occurs where young people "are at" both geographically and developmentally. This project runs after-hours in the afternoon, evenings and early mornings at times of high risk, targeting areas identified for youth-related issues, including anti-social behaviour, loitering and substance misuse.

The key priority areas of the project are:

  • Prevent youth interaction with the justice system.

  • Improve accessibility to support services, further education and employment pathways.

  • Improve community safety and promote social cohesion.

  • Reduce the harmful consequences of alcohol and drug use.

  • Reduce incidences of crime and anti-social behaviour.

  • Create a platform for young people to be active participants in their communities.