The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment to boost early intervention investment, with the first $10 million of the $50 million Kickstarter grants now open.
The first round of funding will provide grants of up to $300,000 to new Gold Standard Early Intervention programs for education, life skills and support for young people to divert from a life of crime.
The decade of failure that led to Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis saw inadequate early intervention programs, creating a generation of hardcore repeat offenders.
The Kickstarter program is part of the Crisafulli Government’s $100 million commitment to deliver Gold Standard Early Intervention programs to arrest Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and restore safety where you live.
Each program will be regionally focused and tailored to meet the needs of local communities across Queensland, with the first round of grants open today.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said implementing effective early intervention programs was critical to stop the cycle of youth crime in Queensland.
“Our tough new youth crime laws will ensure there are consequences for actions but, we know one of the best ways to reduce crime is to intervene early to divert young people from pursuing a life of crime,” Minister Gerber said.
“After 10 years of increasing numbers of youth offenders, it’s clear Labor’s early intervention models failed.
“These programs aim to prevent the next generation of young people veering into crime by investing in programs that stop crime before it happens, so we can reduce the number of Queenslanders who become victims.
“We’re putting the call out to organisations who can deliver community-led initiatives that provide the education, training, and support needed for troubled youth to get back on the right track.
“Rolling out the first round of Kickstarter grants is another vital step to restore safety in our communities and reduce the number of victims of crime in Queensland.”
For more information on the Kickstarter grants, including how to apply, visit https://www.youthjustice.qld.gov.au/partnerships/kickstarter-grants.
