The Albanese Government is investing $28.4 million to divert young people away from crime and strengthen community safety. The funding will be provided using the confiscated assets of convicted criminals.
The Youth Empowerment Program will target the root causes of youth crime and anti-social behaviour by providing resources to community-based organisations working with young people aged 10 to 17.
Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants from $300,000 to $1 million 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, and
- Transition from detention support.
Applications will open on 7 January 2025 and close on 28 January 2025.
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.
The Albanese Government is committed to tackling crime and is delivering significant investments to strengthen community safety and improve access to justice for all Australians.
