Breaking down barriers

Key points

• Blue Light Victoria chief executive Elissa Scott says youth crime has many causes, including disengagement from school, mental health challenges, social isolation and a lack of positive adult role models. The youth charity, which supports people aged 10 to 21, runs programs that connect young people with police and emergency services to build trust.
• Ms Scott said intervening before offending occurs is key, and that staying connected with education is a strong protective factor.
• The story forms part of the Star Weekly's We Deserve Better campaign on crime in Melbourne's west and north.