VIC | VTMH | WEBINAR | Challenging the 'youth crime' narrative​​ - Building support for evidence-based change in a ‘tough on crime’ environment | Wednesday, 20 August 2025 | 3-4pm AEST

[Edited extract from public address]

Working together to shift political and public attitudes, advising the Government on evidence-based approaches, and challenging policies and practices that harm young people.

Smart Justice for Young People (SJ4YP) is a coalition of over fifty leading social services, health, legal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and youth advocacy organisations working together to create change for children and young people in contact with the criminal justice system. The coalition backbone is led by YouthLaw, WestJustice, and the Centre for Innovative Justice. 

Hear from Anoushka Jeronimus (Co-convener), Eva Lazzaro (Policy and Advocacy Lead), and Mallika Murthy (Campaign Manager) from Smart Justice for Young People.

SJ4YP developed an action plan, titled ‘Working Together', which identified five of the most over-represented groups in the criminal justice system in Victoria:

1. First Nations children and young people
2. Multicultural children and young people
3. Children who live in out-of-home residential care
4. 18–25-year-olds; and 
5. Girls and young women with complex needs. 

‘Working Together' found that these cohorts of young people are over-represented in police and criminal justice system contact and under-represented in the provision of support services (such as access to housing, healthcare, education and employment).

SJ4YP have been exploring pathways to change the narrative around youth crime and address the key drivers as well as intersecting systemic and structural issues that keep these five cohorts over-represented.

 

VTMH seminars are open to individuals, from all disciplines and working in all sectors, who are based in Australia and interested in diversity and mental health.  

• Where: Online via Zoom — details to be sent to registrants in advance
• Cost: Free
• Bookings: essential.  Spaces are limited. To secure a place, please register online via VTMH. 

MORE:

Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Address: St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Level 1, Bolte Wing, 14 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Tel: (03) 9231 3300

Website

VTMH acknowledges it is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin Nation. We know this land has history, custodians and stories spanning tens of thousands of years. We celebrate and recognise the First Peoples’ continuing connection to the land and water, and pay our respects to their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.

In a spirit of reconciliation, we commit to walking the journey of learning and healing together.