South Australian Youth Project Street Legal has been announced recipient of a prestigious award for “Outstanding Contibution Award”.

At an Awards ceremony in Melbourne last night, the Australasian Branch of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) proclaimed the value of Street Legal’s unique program.  In announcing the winner of the 2001 awards, Australasian IAATI President, Mr. John O’Byrne, said “Street Legal is an excellent example of how a dedicated team of staff working with some of the most serious young car thieves can achieve a positive result for both the young person and the community.”

“When trying to address the problem of vehicle theft stakeholders frequently invest significant amounts of resources into developing sophisticated physical and electronic security systems at the same time failing to address some of the more fundamental issues.  Street Legal demonstrates that substantial impacts can be achieved by investing time and resources into helping young offenders and providing assistance to some of their basic needs.”

Street Legal, based at Kilkenny provides mechanical training, case management, recreational activities and employment opportunities to young offenders.  Funded by South Australia’s Department of Human Services and with the support of local businesses the program has worked with over 500 young offenders since it commenced in 1989.

In accepting the award Street Legal Manager, Kaylene Arnell, said “Research demonstrates that recidivist car thieves make up only a small proportion of all offenders yet account for the vast majority of thefts.  Our philosophy is in order to stop re-offending we must address the causes of offending in a supportive client friendly environment.”

“This award reinforces our view that we are providing a valuable service, a view also confirmed by a recent independent review of the project.”

Ms. Arnell said an evaluation of Street Legal’s program demonstrated that the vast majority of offenders who complete the program cease or significantly reduce their criminal activities.  Furthermore, the program was extremely cost effective, with Street Legal’s entire budget equivalent to the cost of detaining a single offender for 12 months.”