Applications are now open for the Albanese Government’s $28.4 million Youth Empowerment Program to divert young people away from a life of crime and anti-social behaviours.
The program will target the root causes of youth crime and strengthen community safety by providing resources to community-based organisations working with young people aged 10 to 17.
The program is being funded from the confiscated assets of convicted criminals.
Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants from $300,000 to $1 million for practical initiatives on the ground, including:
• Awareness campaigns and programs to prevent criminal and anti-social behaviours;
• Workforce preparation and vocational skills development;
• Healthy decision making to foster positive connections with communities;
• Youth justice conferencing; and
• Transition from detention support.
Applications close on 28 January 2025.
Mr Neumann said the Albanese Labor Government was committed to supporting local communities to boost community safety and provide alternate pathways for young people at risk of engaging in criminal and anti-social behaviour.
“The Government is providing significant funding for practical community projects to keep locals safer by diverting young people at risk from a life of crime,” Mr Neumann said.
“We’re investing in prevention, early intervention, diversion and rehabilitation programs that are proven to work by reducing offending behaviour, leading to fewer victims of crime.
“What’s more, the program pays for itself by being funded from the proceeds of crime, and will deliver real results for at risk young people and the community as a whole.
“I know community safety is a real concern for locals and that’s why we’re backing community-led programs that will tackle the root causes of crime. This is because local organisations know the issues on the ground and know what will work best.
“This is about doing what we can to break the cycle of offending and stopping young people from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.
“It’s so important young people at risk have support like this available. I’m very proud that the Federal Labor Government has come on board to fund these vital activities to help stamp out crime.”
The Youth Empowerment Program complements the Albanese Government’s U25-GO program, which supports crime prevention and drug diversion programs for youth under the age of 25 at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system.
The Australian Government has awarded $13.5 million under the U25-GO program to Police Citizens Youth Clubs, Blue Light Organisations and other eligible organisations across Australia for community safety programs.
Further details of the Youth Empowerment Program, including grant guidelines, can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/youth-empowerment-program
