Keeping at-risk young people out of trouble is the focus of a $1.4 million initiative launched on the Gold Coast today.
On offer are one-off grants from $20,000 to $250,000 through the Community Partnership Innovation Grant scheme to develop projects focussed on young people who are, or could become, high-risk offenders.
Applications are open to not-for-profit groups, the social services and health sectors; Aboriginal and Torres Islander Elders and community-controlled organisations; businesses and social enterprises and academics.
Minister for Children and Youth Justice, Leanne Linard, said the initiative encourages the wider community to play a part in reducing anti-social behaviours and helping young people contribute positively.
“We know local communities are often best placed to find solutions, based on their direct experiences and knowledge,” Ms Linard said.
“This is why we’re inviting applicants to design and deliver short-term or one-off projects that are evidence-based, with priority given to the Brisbane, Logan, Cairns, Townsville, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and Gold Coast areas.
“We want to hear how the grants could potentially support projects that are already working or new ideas that will reduce youth offending.”
Youth Affairs Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon encouraged organisations to submit proposals that would create lasting, meaningful change and help address the disadvantage typically experienced by young people in the youth justice system.
“We shouldn’t underestimate the important role local communities have in positively shaping the lives of young people, as they’re the first to see when a young person starts disconnecting from family, stops attending school, or is showing anti-social behaviour,” Minister Scanlon said.
“We’d like to see projects that help address specific, youth-related issues and build strong connections with young people, so they want to become positive contributors to their communities.
“It’s the type of work that adds to our significant investment in the Gold Coast youth foyer, education and training opportunities and initiatives that support young people across the coast.
“This is an investment in making everyone safer, not just now, but into the future.”
Projects chosen through the initiative will complement a range of measures already underway that help reduces offending, including early intervention programs.
Applications can be submitted until midnight, 26 April 2022 through Smarty Grants at https://yj.smartygrants.com.au/yjcommunitypartnershipgrant
