Queensland will soon have four Crime Prevention Schools, with extra funding to be announced in the State Budget.
Premier David Crisafulli said $50 million would be allocated in tomorrow’s (June 24) Budget to expand a current Gold Coast-based facility and set up new schools in Townsville, Rockhampton and Ipswich.
Premier Crisafulli said the Crime Prevention Schools aimed to re-engage at-risk youth and prevent crime before it happened.
“(They) provide education, mentoring, and life skills to put youth back on the right track and away from a life of crime,” he said.
Premier Crisafulli said Men of Business, on the Gold Coast, was the first school to operate the program and would be funded to expand their existing academy to grades 7-12.
He said tenders would be called to operate the Townsville, Rockhampton, and Ipswich schools later this year.
“Men of Business has a proven track record of delivering hope and support to young people who need it most.
“This funding will allow them to expand their reach and help even more students get back on track.”
Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber said the Crime Prevention Schools provided at-risk youth who have disengaged from mainstream education, the life skills, training and support needed to turn towards a brighter future.
“We know one of the best ways to reduce crime, is to intervene early before young people go down a life of crime,” Minister Gerber said.
Men of Business Academy founder Marco Renal said the new funding would allow the Academy to expand and help more young men grow into capable individuals.
“Our mission has always been to guide young men towards a path of purpose and success,” Mr Renai said.
“With this new funding, we can expand our programs to reach students at an even earlier age, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to build strong foundations for the future.
“Early intervention changes lives – with the right tools and support, we can help them step confidently into a brighter future.”
