Young people from the Pasifika community in Logan will soon be able to access culturally responsive wrap-around support through a locally designed initiative aimed at tackling youth crime.
The aim of the program is to support young people to navigate a range of support services such as health, education, employment, career, housing, mental health, counselling and budgeting and get on to a positive and productive path.
The project which will be delivered Village Connect is called Keeping Our Kids Out or the KOKO Project and is one of eight new community projects in Queensland to receive funding under the $1.4 million Community Partnership Innovation Grants initiative.
Member for Logan, Linus Power said Village Connect was well placed to lead this project, given its extensive experience in working with vulnerable youth and families.
"As a Pasifika owned and led community organisation, Village Connect draws on cultural values to achieve their vision of seeing children, young people and families flourish," Mr Power said.
"That's something all of us, and particularly the local community, want to see."
Minister for Youth Justice Leanne Linard said Village Connect had received a one-off grant of $250,000 to run the KOKO Project over the next 12 months, targeting young offenders of Pasifika background who are in, or leaving, youth detention.
"This is all about using the expertise and knowledge of local communities to change the trajectory of young people's lives away from offending," Ms Linard said.
We know how powerful these location solutions are. Individuals, families and communities all have a critical role to play in preventing and reducing youth crime. It is often local communities who first see a young person begin to disengage from school, work or social activities."
Taulago Ioane from Village Connect is one of two KOKO community connectors who will provide culturally responsive wrap-around support to young offenders.
"We know there's a need to provide local solutions for young people in contact with youth justice and we know we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver."
"As a Samoan woman and registered nurse with over eight years of experience using Pasifika values in my practices, I jumped at the chance to work with and advocate for Pasifika young people and families on this project," Ms Ioane said.
"To steer young people towards a better future, it's critical that we build rapport and trusting relationships on a case-by-case basis so together we can identify what supports is needed – from health and education through to employment and housing."
Ms Linard said the Community Partnership Innovation Grants initiative was enabling local communities to deliver locally designed solutions.
"When we called for projects, we asked for proposals that could create lasting and meaningful change. The programs had to address disadvantages typically experienced by teens in the youth justice system, and that is exactly what we received," she said.
"Organisations often need financial assistance to get new ideas off the ground, so I'm pleased we can provide this support.
"These initiatives will complement existing programs. By working together, we will enhance the safety of our communities."
Given the strong interest in the program, this year's State Budget provided funds to expand the Community Partnership Innovation Grants in 2022–23. A total of $3 million will be available to support additional initiatives that enhance community safety.
Information about the Community Innovation Partnership Grants can be found on the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs website: https://www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/about-us/our-department/funding-grants-investment/community-partnership-innovation-grants
