The Community Approach Trust is an innovative partnership supporting youth at risk of becoming career criminals and their families.
Set up 30 years ago, the Trust aims to intervene as early as possible, ideally before the young person ends up in court. Youth workers, police officers, social workers and mentors offer wraparound services to young people and their families.
‘We target families rather than individuals,’ says Victor Faumui, Family Navigator at the Community Approach Trust. Every young person is different, and the partnership connects rangatahi to the help and support they need.
Police Youth Aid identifies these families, who often have a child involved in multiple crimes. Some have more than one offender within the household. Once referred, Community Approach staff work to uncover the underlying issues that trap the family in the cycle of crime.
The Trust is located at Avondale Police Station and also operates a range of community and youth programmes. These include youth mentoring, school holiday programmes and adventure camps. These programmes aim to challenge and inspire rangatahi and ensure they stay engaged in education, training or employment.
Victor says early intervention is crucial, as it gives the young person and their families the best chance of success. He proudly shares that the Community Approach Trust has provided intensive support to over 70 West Auckland families in the past year alone, with many success stories of young people turning their lives around.
Community Approach is a charitable organisation that relies on funding from various sources to keep the doors open. However, the demand remains high, reflecting the significant need in the community. A $20,000 contribution from the Your West Support Fund has made a substantial difference.
‘The funding has gone towards the staff costs of those working directly with young people and their families,’ reports Victor. The money has provided a significant financial boost, offering some much-needed certainty.
The Community Approach Trust is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. There are plans to mark this significant milestone with a community event and silent auction to help with fundraising efforts for this vital service.
Check out the Community Approach Trust’s website for more information.
