Successful early intervention programs will receive a crucial funding boost, with expressions of interest now open for the first round of the $65 million Proven Initiatives program.

Proven Initiatives is one part of the Crisafulli Government’s $115 million investment into Gold Standard Early Intervention and is part of a fresh start to begin turning the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.

Successful applicants will be awarded ongoing funding for three years to continue delivering early intervention programs that have been proven to prevent or reduce youth offending, increase education and employment opportunities, and foster community engagement and positive participation.

Programs will be required to deliver on the following measures:

• Most youths (90%) don’t commit a crime during the program and in the 12 months following completion.
• There is a 75% school or training attendance rate, or, where applicable, holding down employment.
• All youths participate in community engagement or outreach activities to build connections in local communities.
• All youths have regular contact with the program.

Expressions of interest are open until 20 October.

After 10 years of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer with new early intervention and rehabilitation programs aimed at breaking the cycle of youth crime. Since the state government’s Making Queensland Safer laws were introduced, the number of serious repeat offenders has decreased by 17.5%, helping turn the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.

“We know one of the best ways to reduce youth crime is to intervene early, before young people enter a life of crime,” Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said. “These programs will help prevent the next generation of youth offenders by giving young people the skills they need to turn away from crime and become productive members of the community.”

Gerber said that by providing ongoing funding to locally led organisations, the Crisafulli Government is delivering the certainty they need to help turn the tide on youth crime by breaking the cycle of crime.

“Our continued investment will empower these organisations to plan strategically and innovate, ultimately improving their impact. We know what works in Cairns might not work for Coolangatta. Gold Standard Early Intervention delivers community-led programs that work for their local community,” Gerber explained.