Sydney, Australia – In a significant move to support at-risk youth, the Australian Government has launched the Youth Empowerment program, a $28.3 million initiative aimed at helping young people aged 10 to 17 who are engaged in or at risk of becoming involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour. Among the 35 community organisations receiving funding, Youth Off The Streets has been awarded $991,138 to implement its Empowering Youth for Positive Change project.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Education Minister Jason Clare joined Judy Barraclough, CEO of Youth Off The Streets, to announce this crucial funding. During the event, Dreyfus acknowledged the exceptional work done by the organisation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering safer communities through positive youth engagement.
“Youth Off The Streets will provide vital support to at-risk young people, ensuring they have access to education, mentorship, and opportunities to reconnect with their families and communities,” said Dreyfus. “This funding will enable them to expand their reach, particularly in Blacktown and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, as well as in Logan, Queensland.”
The Empowering Youth for Positive Change project will support up to 1,740 young people, offering a range of services, including outreach and drop-in programs, life skills development, individualised support, and youth court and detention assistance. These initiatives aim to prevent vulnerable youth from entering the justice system and instead provide them with pathways toward stability and success.
Education Minister Jason Clare highlighted the real impact of such programs, sharing powerful stories of young lives transformed through the work of Youth Off The Streets. He recounted the journey of a young girl who, after facing unimaginable hardships, found hope and a future through the support provided by the organisation. “This money is not just about changing lives – it is about saving them,” said Clare.
Judy Barraclough expressed her gratitude for the funding, emphasizing the organisation’s long-standing mission to support and uplift at-risk youth. “There’s a misconception that these young people are ‘bad,’ but that’s far from the truth,” she said. “They are incredibly resilient and strong, having faced challenges like homelessness, domestic violence, and poverty. With the right support, they can achieve great things.”
The Youth Empowerment program aligns with the government’s broader initiatives, such as the U25-GO grants, which have already provided $13.5 million to youth-focused organisations across Australia. By investing in these programs, the government aims to create safer communities, enhance educational outcomes, and equip young people with the skills needed to lead positive and fulfilling lives.
With this new funding, Youth Off The Streets is set to make an even greater impact, ensuring that vulnerable youth across Australia receive the guidance, education, and opportunities they deserve. As the program unfolds, the hope is that more young Australians will be given a chance to break the cycle of hardship and build a brighter future.
