By CASEY NEILL
KIDS at risk are learning the ropes with Greater Dandenong police for a shot at a second chance.
The South Eastern (Dandenong) Ropes Course has run since March 2007 for young people coming before the Children’s Court for the first time.
The member that charges them can refer them to the ropes course, and if the magistrate agrees they participate in a day of activities at Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza alongside police members.
Sergeant Melissa Blair said the day addressed the youths’ offending and built rapport between them and police.
“At the beginning of the day there is a definite division between the young people and the police,” she said.
“But as the day evolves you see the attitudes of the young people changing.
“The morning tea and lunch break see police and young people chatting away to each other.”
Sgt Blair said that when they received their certificates at the end of the day, they often sought support for resumes, employment, education or other concerns.
“As they wander off with their certificates in hand we hope that they remember this day, make the right choices and think about police that they may have contact in the future with… in a different light,” she said.
