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General News

13 August, 2022

New projects set to bolster efforts to reduce youth crime

TAILORED support for young people leaving detention centres, Elders assisting police to conduct cautions, and extra measures to help young people to get back into school, work or training will soon be rolled out, as part of a new grants scheme designed to tackle youth crime.


Photo - Pexels
Photo - Pexels

The $1.4 million Community Partnership Innovation Grants initiative will provide one-off grants for eight projects in eight locations to enable local communities to deliver locally designed solutions. 

Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linard said community organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations and universities were among the successful grant recipients that will work with young people to help them turn their back on crime. 

“I’m delighted that we received 116 applications from around the state, as it clearly shows plenty of individuals and organisations want to be part of the solution,” Ms Linard said. 

“They want to share their ideas, expertise, and connections. 

“That’s something I wholeheartedly welcome because reducing anti-social behaviour and youth crime is a whole community effort.” 

Ms Linard said the successful recipients would design and deliver projects in Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast. 

“We asked for proposals that could create lasting, meaningful changes by addressing the disadvantage typically experienced by teens in the youth justice system, and that’s what we received,” she said. 

“Organisations often need financial assistance to get new ideas off the ground, so I’m pleased we can provide that support. 

“These additional initiatives will complement existing programs. By working together, we will enhance the safety of our communities.” 

In a further investment in community safety, this year’s State Budget provided funds to expand the Community Partnership Innovation Grants in 2022–23. 

A total of $3 million will be available to support additional initiatives, given the strong interest in the program. 

This will enable the government to partner with local communities on crime prevention projects focused on young people who are, or could become repeat offenders. 

The successful grant recipient in Cairns for projects to be delivered in 2022–23 is:

Cairns – Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation - Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation will provide overnight On Country Healing Camps that can be undertaken at very short notice and may be used by young people in the 72 hours after leaving detention when they are most vulnerable and at high risk of reoffending. 

The overnight camps will provide cultural activities and one-on-one support. ($150,000) 

Information about the Community Innovation Partnership Grants can be found on the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs website:  https://bit.ly/3vXv6yd

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