Qld Govt Launches After-School Program in Far North
- Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment for community-led Gold Standard Early Intervention programs, with a new Kickstarter program announced today in the Far North.
- Thrive and Connect’s new program will help at-risk youth showing early signs of disengagement, anti-social or criminal behaviour get back on the right track.
- Program uses sporting activities, cooking, cultural engagement sessions and other team-building exercises to re-engage at risk youth back into education, training and the community.
- Funding is part of a $100 million investment to deliver Gold Standard Early Intervention through community-led early intervention programs to restore safety where you live.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to provide innovative early intervention programs to break the cycle of crime, with funding from the Gold Standard Early Intervention Kickstarter grants for a new program in Far North Queensland.
Thrive and Connect will receive funding under the first round of the Kickstarter Grants program with a $290,000 grant for their new early intervention model for at-risk youth.
The Thrive Guiding program will support youth aged 14-16 in the Cairns region over 13 months, with four 10-week intensive sessions featuring activities including cooking, sport, cultural engagement, one-on-one mentoring and team building exercises.
The Kickstarter program is part of the Crisafulli Government’s four-year $100 million Gold Standard Early Intervention program, with half to be set aside to kickstart new programs and the remaining funds to provide ongoing funding for programs with proven results.
The Crisafulli Government’s Gold Standard Early Intervention program will deliver best in class early intervention for at-risk youth showing early signs of criminal behaviour with the education, life skills and support to divert from a life of crime.
Each program will be regionally focused and tailored to meet the needs of local communities, with nearly $10 million to be awarded in the first round of Kickstarter grants to organisations across the State.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said early intervention programs were crucial to preventing the next generation of youth offenders by breaking the cycle of crime.
“We know effective early intervention is one of the best ways we can divert at-risk youth from crime and reduce victims in this State,” Minister Gerber said.
“For a decade, the former Labor government failed to properly invest in early intervention and that has led to a generation of untouchables on a merry-go-round of repeat offending.
“By investing in early intervention programs that engage these kids, we can prevent the cycle of crime and help give youth the best chance at a brighter future.”
Member for Barron River Bree James said the program would be a great asset for the Cairns region.
“I’m thrilled to welcome this program to our area and look forward to seeing the positive impacts it will have on our local kids,” Ms James said.
“Giving our youth the opportunity to engage in programs that provide structure, discipline and foster a sense of community, particularly through sport, is a great way to help them make positive choices.”
Thrive and Connect Co-Founder Jason Tom said he was grateful the funding will help establish a new model of early intervention in the Cairns region.
“Young people need genuine opportunity, belief and time with mentors who genuinely care and that’s what Thrive Guiding offers,” Mr Tom said.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/103160