Earlier this month, Healema Ward (Chair), Jeremy Donovan (Joint Venture with Jeremy Donovan Group), Adrian McCann (CEO) and Carlene Davies (Deputy CEO) met with Director General Mike Rowe to discuss KWAC’s role in the region, with a particular focus on the recently completed Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Youth Circuit Breakers initiative.

The Youth Circuit Breaker is an Aboriginal-led, place-based intervention providing a structured, culturally grounded night-time alternative to street presence during peak risk periods. The program is currently unfunded.

The discussion highlighted the substantial impact the initiative delivered in a short operational window, including:
• Significant reduction in offending and system contact
• 80% reduction in youth offending
• 90% reduction in arrests
• Only one transfer and detention recorded during the YCB CBA period

Improved community safety
• Noticeable reduction in youth street presence when in operation
• No significant safety incidents during the operational period
• Positive feedback from WA Police on the program’s deterrence effect

Cost efficiency
• $2.14 million in avoided costs over just 14 days
• 91.47% lower cost compared to a justice system‑led response

Mike applauded our initiative, innovation and strategy in the youth space.

We look forward to releasing the full Cost-Benefit Analysis in the coming weeks.

Jawun supported this work.