Our staff and police from Wodonga and Wangaratta have come together to discuss how they can work closely for the good of at-risk young people in the north-east region.

Nine police from Wodonga and Wangaratta joined Junction for a training and discussion session on the effect that trauma has on the behaviour of young people and how police and youth workers can best work together to help vulnerable and at-risk youths.
Junction shared general information about the impact that witnessing or experiencing trauma has on young people and how it can affect their behaviour.

Junction’s Megan Hanley and Chris Blakemore talked about what sort of events and trauma had happened in young people’s lives that brought them to a point of contact with youth workers and police.

When children and young people have experienced trauma at the hands of an adult it can lead to them resenting authority figures such as teachers and make it difficult to form healthy and positive relationships.

Police shared some of the challenges they experience in assisting young people, particularly young people who were prone to exploitation by adults, especially through drugs.

Wodonga Sgt Michael Savage said it was important that Junction and police have strong relationships and good communication to support local young people.

“Working together helps us to know the best ways to connect with young people and create a calmer environment for them during a time of crisis,” he said.

Wangaratta Sgt Christine Boseley said: “It was great to see proactive incentives which will develop strong working relationships and share expertise with agencies, working together to support young people in our region.”

Wodonga police Leading Senior-Constable Kevin Mack helped instigate the session and said it was valuable for police and Junction to come together. “We all have a duty of care to young people who need our support,” he said.

Another topic of discussion was the best ways to teach life lessons about the outcomes of decisions and behaviour, particularly how the consequences change when a young person turns 18 and becomes an adult in the eyes of the justice system.