Where we are up to
Following an evaluation of crime prevention programs for Aboriginal young people in 2019, a new funding model that consolidates prevention and early intervention related grant funding was introduced. This funding is instead now allocated equally across the 9 justice regions, with each Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) determining how to distribute funds in line with local justice priorities and the new Grant Management Framework (see Action 18-74).
In early 2021, workshops were held with RAJACs to identify priority areas for investment of grant funds under the new Grant Management Framework. Expression of interest processes were then conducted in each region to identify Aboriginal organisations to deliver programs or services that addressed the identified priority, which for many RAJACs was early intervention and prevention for Aboriginal young people.
The following RAJAC Implementation Fund projects that seek to prevent Aboriginal young people from coming into contact with the justice system are currently in development:
- Youth Group Program and Coordinator in the West Metropolitan region, supported by Koling Wada-Ngal and Kirrip in partnership
- Youth Pathways Program and Program Worker in the East Metropolitan region, to be delivered by Mullum Mullum
- Youth Community Development Officer and Youth Trainee program in the South Metropolitan region, supported by Casey Council and Casey Gathering Place in partnership
- Aboriginal Youth Intervention Cultural Space Project in Gippsland, to be delivered by the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
- Youth Drop-in Centre in Loddon Mallee, to be delivered by Mallee District Aboriginal Service
- Youth Program in Barwon South West, to be delivered by Koori Youth Council in partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, and Windamara Aboriginal Cooperative
- Yalka Yakapna Woka (Yarning Circles) for Aboriginal young people and their families in Hume, to be delivered by Aldara Yenara.
Background
The Frontline grants program commenced in 2005. The grants provide communities with opportunities to deliver community-based initiatives that engage Aboriginal children and young people at risk of contact with the criminal justice system in pro-social and physically healthy activities. CIP commenced in 2002. The grants provide communities with opportunities to develop pilot initiatives and undertake research that will reduce negative contact between the community and the criminal justice system. The Frontline and CIP grants programs are offered every second year to support programs that are initiated by the Aboriginal community who play leading roles in the program development and delivery of initiatives to Aboriginal Victorians.