Program helps young drinkers

CASEY’S young people are the focus in a new underage drinking diversion program.
The program, a collaboration between the City of Casey and local police, aims to keep underage drinkers out of the court system.
So far this month seven referrals have been made for young people to take part in the education awareness course, the first of which will be held on 30 January in Narre Warren.
The course is conducted by South East Alcohol and Drug Services.
Cranbourne Police youth resource officer Senior Constable Brett Owen said the police were happy with the progress of the program.
“As members become more familiar with the program, I think we will start to see more references,” he said.
Sen Const Owen said the course was a good way for getting young people out of the court system.
“It’s a good initiative. It is educating young people and also parents, who are invited to come along to these diversion nights,” he said.