ACWA is eager to remind agencies working with young people about the Work Development Order Scheme operating in NSW that provides valuable support to vulnerable youth who are unable to pay their fines.
The accrual of outstanding fines and subsequent debt can exacerbate the disadvantage already experienced by this cohort, as licences are suspended and employment opportunities jeopardised.
However Work Development Orders, issued by Revenue NSW, allow young people to clear their fines through unpaid work with an approved organisation or by undertaking certain courses or treatment
ACWA encourages any agency who may not yet be involved in this scheme to consider signing up as an approved organisation (WDO sponsor) to ensure young people in the grip of this kind of financial hardship have an opportunity to become debt free.
This fact sheet provides more information about the scheme.