Nine months on from funding commitment, Target 120 program is yet to be up and running in Carnarvon

Nine months after funding to expand a program targeting youth at risk of becoming repeat offenders was announced, the scheme is still not operational in Carnarvon.

The State Government claims the Target 120 program will “soon” be running in Carnarvon when enough staff are recruited.

The McGowan Government announced in last year’s Budget an $11 million expansion of the program to nine new locations, including Carnarvon.

The program targets youth at risk of becoming repeat offenders by steering them away from crime.

Target 120 aims to support youth aged 10 to 14 years old and their families and create safer communities.

But it has been confirmed to the Midwest Times that no families in Carnarvon are actively involved in the program at this stage.

During his visit to Carnarvon last Friday, Premier Mark McGowan said “some people” had been recruited but there needed to be more to get the program up and running.

“As soon as we can recruit people, as soon as we can get more people on the ground, the program itself here in Carnarvon will be operational ... we have some staff, but they’re recruiting more,” Mr McGowan said.

A Department of Communities spokesperson this week revealed one recruit was working behind the scenes in Carnarvon.

“A procurement process for Target 120 Carnarvon is being finalised and the program will be fully operational soon,” they said.

“To date, a community youth officer for Carnarvon has been employed and is working in Carnarvon, and a local interagency group has been set up to start identifying young people and families for the program.”