WIREDGOV

The Minister announced the funding at Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Youth Offending Teams’ Triage scheme in Dumballs Road, Cardiff. The project, delivered by Media Academy Cardiff (MAC) in partnership with South Wales Police works with young people who have been arrested for the first time and for less serious offences.

Up to 600 children and young people a year benefit from the project. It deals with issues such as family problems; education, employment and training; drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, domestic violence and anger management.

The Minister met staff and the young people taking part in the scheme, saw their work and heard how the scheme has helped them. She also launched MAC’s new website.

Speaking after the visit the Minister said:

“I have been very impressed with both the staff and the young people taking part in the Triage project and with the work they have shown me.

“Committing crime is a cycle which is very difficult to get out of so preventing young people getting involved in the first place by dealing with the problems which could lead to offending, is a very important element of the Welsh Government’s approach to creating safer and more cohesive communities for all. This is why I’m delighted to announce the allocation of nearly £4.9m from the Youth Crime Prevention Fund.”