The seized assets of criminals are being used to fund a youth diversion program.
Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said almost $29 million would be invested in the Youth Empowerment Program which aimed to target the root causes of youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
Attorney-General Dreyfus said community-based organisations working with young people aged 10 to 17 had until January 28 to apply for grants of up to $1 million.
“The program is being funded from the confiscated assets of convicted criminals,” he said.
Attorney-General Dreyfus said eligible organisations would be funded for activities 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.
- Transition from detention support.
He said the program complemented the U25-GO program which supported 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.”
Learn more about the Youth Empowerment Program.
