Marymead CatholicCare Safer Youth Response Service (SYRS) works in partnership with ACT Policing and ACT Government to provide specialist, flexible and varied supports to young people, aged under 14 years, who are at risk of interacting with the youth justice systems and are exhibiting risky or harmful behaviours.

The SYRS implements strength-based approaches and holds the safety of the young people as paramount. This includes physical, emotional and cultural safety. The young people’s best interests are at the centre of all decision making by staff. The aim of the services is to provide a safe and responsive service to young people aged 10-14 years, diverting them from the youth justice system and further behaviour’s that lead to interactions with ACT Policing or justice systems.

Our model recognises that supporting an individual to focus on their goals empowers them to address their vulnerabilities and risks and support long-term positive relationships. The team views the child within the context of their family and environment allowing support to be consistent yet flexible in the ability to respond to the needs of individual families.

Referrals for this program are managed by ACT Policing.

For more information : please email to  [email protected] .