Protected: DETOURS

Hello from the DETOURS team! On this page you'll learn about the program and how eligible young people can access it..

Fast facts.

• Type of program: Diversion group program to reduce unsafe and illegal driving behaviours
• Eligibility: Young people aged 14 - 18 who have committed or are at risk of committing offences associated with traffic and/or motor vehicles.
• Cost: Free

About DETOURS.

The Diversion and Education for Young People in Understanding Road Safety (DETOURS) program is a diversion level intervention small group-based program. It aims to reduce unsafe and illegal driving and passenger behaviour among young people. The program involves:

• Encouraging young people to reflect on their behaviours.
• Developing strategies to help reduce future unsafe road use behaviours.
• Including the young person’s parents/carers so that they can help to support any changes.

How does the program work?.

The program involves two key components:

• Facilitated group 3-hour session for between 4-6 young people
• Parent support 1.5 hour session with the parent/carer of DETOURS participants

The program is underpinned by motivational interviewing to support behaviour change. Participants are supported to actively engage in the program through a range of hands-on activities. The individual needs of participants are taken into account to ensure they are able to fully engage in the program.

What do the sessions cover?.

During the group session, the young people:

• Consider what motivates some of their behaviour.
• Think about the consequences of that behaviour, as well as possible future consequences if their unsafe behaviours continue.
• Identify when they might be more likely to behave in an unsafe way.
• Develop an individual plan to help prevent future unsafe behaviours and offending.

The parent/carer session involves:

• Discussion, support and information for parents/carers particularly in relation to effective communication, brain development and risk, and self-care.
• Engaging the parent/carer in helping the young person implement their road safety strategies.
• Identifying where further support can be obtained.

Eligibility.

DETOURS is for young people in Victoria aged 14 – 18 who have charges related to traffic/motor vehicle offending and are completing a Children’s Court Youth Diversion plan or have been identified as being at risk of engaging in such unsafe road user behaviour by Victoria Police.

DETOURS is not available to young people who commit traffic and/or motor vehicle offenses that carry mandatory sentencing.

More information.

You can download the referral form for DETOURS below..

Important to know: