Seized funds to help curb youth offending in Kimberley

Two Kimberley not-for-profit programs have been awarded a portion of $1.1 million seized from criminals in WA. Alta-1 Kimberley College in Kununurra and Shire of Broome have received up to $200,000 for their respective programs which endeavour to keep young people away from the criminal justice system, boost mental health and improve school attendance. The Kimberley recipients are two among eight programs in remote and regional WA to be awarded the grant as part of the State Government’s Criminal Property Confiscation Grant Program. Administered by the Department of Justice, the latest round of recipients was announced by the Attorney General John Quigley this month. In the East Kimberley, Alta-1 Kimberley College’s program targets young Aboriginal females who have previously been in contact with the Justice system in Kununurra. The young women are given the opportunity to handle horses and work with mentors, which is hoped to provide a balanced approach to education and improve their attendance in schools. The Shire of Broome’s late-night sporting activities for children and teens have been handed a $113,064 grant in an attempt to boost the program with skills clinics and relationship building. A Sporting Chance will be offered on weekends for children and young people aged eight to 18, and will deliver fun sport team-building activities, and personal and professional development programs. “We know that young people are at risk of engaging in criminal behaviours due to a complex range of circumstances,” Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said. “Through inspiring projects such as this we can help divert young people from crime and achieve long-term sustainable outcomes, resulting in fewer young people on the street at night and more opportunity for them to complete education and aspire towards fulfilling careers in sport.” Attorney General John Quigley said he is pleased these programs will be able to offer activities to address the needs of young people in the community. “Activities like equine-assisted therapy or learning aim to improve mental health and wellbeing among young people, reducing the likelihood of offending,” he said. “The range of programs that are being funded will help vulnerable people across the State in keeping their lives on track.” The grants are funded by money and property seized under the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000.