Federally-funded program for at risk youth to break crime cycle
A new, federally-funded program will help local youth at risk of committing crimes break the cycle, giving them experience as a race team mechanic, skills in carpentry or helping them engaging with culture on country.
Queensland Youth Services will partner with Pitstop Karting and indigenous elders to deliver “Project Overhaul”, aiming to prevent recidivist behaviour by engaging at risk youth in hands-on skills development and providing them a supportive pathway for transition into the work force.
Participants will be referred to the program through youth justice agencies, and take part in one of three “gateways”.
The Guarambilbarra Racing gateway will take place at Pitstop Karting, giving participants the opportunity to learn mechanical skills as part of a real-life motorsport team, including dismantling and rebuilding a race car and kart.
The Chameleon Upcycled Products gateway will operate as a social enterprise, providing a simulated workplace where participants will learn how to operate in a work environment while also learning carpentry and job-searching skills.
The Healing on Country gateway will see participants engage with their cultural identity and values with the help of elders from traditional owner groups, as well as volunteering at an animal refuge.
The project has received $1.4 million under the Early Intervention stream of the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund.
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said the opportunities provided by the program would give youth at risk of committing crimes the skills for a more fulfilling life.
“Crime continues to be the number one issue people raise with me on a daily basis, and one of the ways we can help address the issue is by targeting the root causes,” Mr Thompson said.
“We know that if a young person is disengaged from the community – doesn’t want a job, see the value in one, or have the skills and experience for one – they can fall into crime.
“By targeting individuals who have already offended, or young people who the youth justice system has determined is at risk of offending, we can get in early with a program like this and give them the skills and support to realise there is a better way.
“Many aspects of these programs have been done before and been very successful, and I look forward to working with the team at QYS as they do this important work for our community.”
More information on the Safer Communities program can be found at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/safer-communities-fund-round-6-early-intervention-grants.
ENDS