The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs is calling for applications for new and innovative community-based projects aimed at preventing and reducing youth offending.
The Community Partnership Innovation Grants initiative will open in early November and follows a pilot of the scheme earlier this year.
Minister for Youth Justice, Leanne Linard said local communities were often the first to see a young person disengage.
“Wherever I go across Queensland, communities tell me they want to be part of the solution and have their ideas heard and supported,” Ms Linard said.
“We listened to this feedback, launched the Community Partnership Innovation Grants, and now we’re extending the program.”
She said every community was different, which meant it was important to find solutions specifically tailored and targeted at local issues.
“I look forward to seeing organisations, individuals and groups submit their proposals, because I know that by working together, we can improve community safety,” Ms Linard said.
“The first round of grants is currently funding interventions for at-risk young people and those leaving detention, as well as extra support to help them access education and training opportunities.”
The Minister said that while preventing and reducing youth offending was a priority for the Government, the wider community had a critical role to play.
“Now is the time for community groups and organisations to start having these conversations about the types of projects they think are effective,” she said.
“In the lead up to the release of the grants, I encourage people to bring forward their ideas. In most cases initiatives are already on the ground, but need support to progress or grow.”
The second round of the Community Innovation Partnership Grants will open in early November and close on 30 January 2023, with successful applicants expected to begin their programs in early March 2023.
More information about the grants is available from this PS News link.
