PRISON MINISTRY
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Compared to adults, juveniles are three times more likely to be identified as offenders. Persons aged 15 to 19 years (males and females) are most likely to be processed by police regarding the commission of a crime.

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, in 2000-2001, the offending rate for persons aged 15 to 19 years was more than five times the offender rate for the remainder of the population. Juveniles accounted for about one-quarter of the total offender population.

It is with this in mind that we have embarked on this urgent ministry of reaching juvenile offenders. Our ministry strategy is to help them by visitation during detention and post-release support.

"Dean was visited by one of our workers for about 12 months. After his release, our team member helped reunite him with his family and eventually faith in Christ."

"Rod was followed-up for 18 months in detention. Given up for adoption at the age of 6, he spent most of his time in boys' homes and detention centres. When released, our team member helped him with Centrelink, got him a tax file number. Later, he gave his life to Christ. He has been working for the last 3 years and still in touch with us."