Handling horses, painting murals and playing sport are part of the therapeutic programs available for at-risk young people who are set to benefit from a handout of more than $1.1 million in funds seized from criminals.
Attorney General John Quigley today announced recipients of the latest round of the State Government's Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program, administered by the Department of Justice.
Eight grants of up to $200,000 each will be made to not-for-profit groups and local governments for programs in Perth, and regional and remote Western Australian.
The programs endeavour to keep young people away from the criminal justice system, boost mental health and improve school attendance, as well as support victims of child sexual abuse and family violence.
Recipients for this funding round are:
- Shire of East Pilbara - $60,000 for a project to engage 10 to 17 year olds who have offended or are at risk of antisocial behaviour. Activities will include a mural project in Newman aimed at reducing graffiti and volatile substance use, as well as hip-hop workshops in Newman, Nullagine and Marble Bar;
- Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation - $180,543 for a program where young people from Bunbury can interact with horses as a way of developing insights into the personal and emotional issues that can lead to misuse of drugs and offending;
- City of Canning - $50,247 to address antisocial behaviour and property damage in the City of Canning by getting people aged 12 to 25 involved in sport, wellness and urban art activities at the Willetton Sports Precinct;
- Alta-1 Kimberley College - $200,000 for a project aimed at young Aboriginal females who have been involved with the justice system in Kununurra. Handling horses will be part of the program to provide them with a balanced approach to learning and education, while mentors support students to increase their attendance at school;
- Shire of Broome - $113,064 for late-night sporting activities on weekends for children and teens. While aiming to divert youth away from criminal activities, it will also train them to take on casual staff roles within the program. Local and State sporting identities will hold skills clinics and build positive relationships with participants;
- Sudbury Community House Association - $199,956 for an enterprise to help women in the Mirrabooka area who are victims of family and domestic violence obtain paid employment and build their careers. The project involves upcycling of corporate waste to create new items. A dedicated caseworker will support the women;
- Parkerville Children and Youth Care - $189,136 to expand its program supporting children who have experienced sexual abuse, and their families. Participants attend programs in Perth, Midland and Armadale, and will be supported by a family therapist as they go through the complex challenges of the investigative, child protection and justice processes; and
- Koya Aboriginal Corporation - $167,929 to provide a safe and supportive female-only space where vulnerable girls and young women in the City of Swan area can undertake activities on Friday and Saturday evenings and school holidays.
The grants are funded by money and property seized under the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to prevent or reduce drug-related crime, support victims of crime or to aid law enforcement. Further information is available at the Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program webpage.
As stated by Attorney General John Quigley:
"I'm pleased these groups, which have identified real needs in the community, will be able to offer activities which address them.
"Activities like equine-assisted therapy or learning aim to improve mental health and wellbeing among young people, reducing the likelihood of offending.
"The range of programs that are being funded will help vulnerable people across the State in keeping their lives on track."
