A new funding initiative was launched earlier today to help communities, organisations, and businesses in Ipswich deliver projects that help young people turn their back on crime.
On offer are one-off grants from $20,000 to $250,000 through the $1.4 million Community Partnership Innovation Grant scheme. The projects need to focus 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. Priority will be given to the Brisbane, Logan, Cairns, Townsville, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, and Gold Coast areas.
“We want to hear how the grants could potentially support local projects that are already working or new ideas that will reduce youth offending.”
Member for Ipswich, Jennifer Howard MP 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 preventing youth crime, as they’re the first to see when a young person starts disconnecting from family, stops attending school, or is showing anti-social behaviour,” Ms Howard said.
“If a young person isn’t supported to change their behaviour, it can often escalate into crime.
“We’d like to see projects that help address specific, youth-related issues and build strong connections with young people, so that they will want to become positive contributors to their communities.
“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, Tuesday 3 May 2022, through SmartyGrants at https://yj.smartygrants.com.au/yjcommunitypartnershipgrant. For more information visit https://www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-department/funding-grants-investment/community-partnership-innovation-grants.
