VRU programs
The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) supports and coordinates a range of prevention and early intervention programs across Victoria.
These programs focus on addressing the factors that can lead to serious violence or gang involvement, supporting young people early, and strengthening schools and communities.
Lived Experience Mentoring Program
The Lived Experience Mentoring Program pairs at-risk young people with trained mentors, including from organisations like 16 Yards.
Mentors provide positive role modelling and practical support to help young people stay connected to school, family and community – and away from crime.
Early Intervention Officers in Schools
Early Intervention Officers are embedded in select Victorian Government schools to support students showing early signs of disengagement, behavioural issues.
By working closely with educators and wellbeing coordinators, the officers help identify risk early, coordinate support, and connect the whole school community to keep young people on a positive path.
Early Intervention Sports and Activities Menu
This program connects young people with structured sport, recreation and creative activities, particularly during school holidays when that structure can make a difference.
With initial partners such as Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Victory, Western Bulldogs and Foundation House, this program helps young people build belonging, confidence and positive peer connections.
Community Mental Health Service expansion
The VRU supports early intervention and mental health services for young Victorians.
The $26.7 million investment expands the Community Forensic Youth Mental Health Service, enabling more support for Victoria’s most vulnerable young people with specialist treatment and care.
Youth Mental Health Collaboration
The new Youth Mental Health Collaborative in the west metro region will bring together local services to improve coordination, referral pathways and access to care for young people.
Those services will assess and deal with any barriers to care for young people, particularly those at risk of being drawn into crime.
Project Sunrise
Project Sunrise is a culturally tailored alcohol and other drug (AOD) project for young Victorians aged 12 to 34 from African communities, and their families.
Since 2021, this project has engaged more than 3,000 people. Further funding through the VRU, announced in January 2026, ensures this important work can continue in communities and reach more young people, providing greater access to referrals, counselling and community education sessions.
Community Support Group sports and employment program
$5.3 million is being invested to create stronger employment pathways for young Victorians and expand sports programs.
The new employment program will support youth employment programs delivered by Community Support Groups across Victoria, designed for multicultural young people. It also boosts sport and recreation services available.
Expanding sports and recreation activities will also give more young people structured, positive outlets that build belonging and keep them active and connected.
Boost to Community Support Groups
Dedicated funding towards three South Sudanese Community Support Groups will help those groups to meet increased demand, putting more bicultural youth workers on the ground and making sure support is there for those who need it.
Funding has also been allocated to embed a culturally appropriate clinician within the West Metro Community Support Group to provide trauma-informed mental health treatment and care to young people from a South Sudanese background.
Community violence and anti-grooming interventions
$4.7 million is being invested in targeted initiatives to reduce community violence, de-escalate conflict, reconnect young people with community, and strengthen pathways away from crime.
This includes a pilot program designed to provide young people with a clear, safe, and supported exit from gang involvement through mentorship, intensive wraparound support, and connections to education, training, and employment opportunities.
The VRU, in partnership with community provider Think Village, is also delivering a program to educate young people, families and community members about how to recognise grooming and prevent crime.
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