A Logan-based organisation, Youth off the Streets, has received a $300,000 grant as part of a state government program to reduce youth crime.
The funding will support Youth of the Streets’ T-REK (Together- Respected, Engaged, Kinnected) program, which will assist First Nations, Pasifika and African people leaving youth detention centres.
The T-REK program will also be implemented into numerous high schools in Logan to support those who have been suspended or disengaged.
Acting director of Youth off the Streets’ youth support services, Michelle Ackerman, said the funding would enable the program to run more than four days a week from Logan.
“[This grant] is incredibly important, because without investment behind it from the government, it is really hard to get the program up and running,” Ms Ackerman said.
She said the funding would allow youth workers and case workers to work with schools to “create pathways” for students and maintain engagement.
Ms Ackerman said transitional planning would be used to help young people leaving detention centres, as well as their families.
Over $3 million in funding has been handed out across the state, reaching programs supporting youth domestic-violence victims, employment and training organisations, and other rehabilitation and education programs.
In order to be eligible for the grant the program must target the unique issues being experienced by local communities, and that are designed in partnership with the local community, and demonstrate culturally safe and localised partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
