Confiscated Crime Cash Helps Victims and Youths

In Western Australia criminals are paying for crime prevention programs as Not for Profit organisations receive government grants of up to $200,000.

Victims of crime and at-risk youth are benefitting from more than $1.8 million from the latest round of the WA Government’s Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program.

The Criminal Confiscation Grants are funded by money and property seized under the Criminal Property Confiscation Act 2000.  Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $200,000

WA Attorney General Michael Mischin said 13 local government and Not for Profit groups had secured funding to support victims of crime and tackle drug use and crime across the State.

“The program aims to deprive people of wealth that has been unlawfully acquired, and reinvest this money into projects which support victims of crime, prevent or reduce drug-related crime and drug abuse, or aid law enforcement,” Mischin said.

“The activities of criminals have a significant social and economic impact on society so it’s fitting that they are stripped of their illegally obtained wealth and that money is used to prevent young people from engaging in a life of crime.

“Victims also suffer greatly at the hands of criminals, so they are worthy recipients of this funding to help them navigate the justice system and get their lives back on track.”

Groups receiving funds from the latest round include:

• Nyoongar Sports Association ($200,000) to run supervised sport and educational workshops for at-risk Aboriginal youth from the cities of Kwinana and Rockingham;

• angelhands Incorporated ($51,866) to better educate professionals within the justice system on victims’ needs;

• the Gosnells Community Legal Centre ($116,179) to establish a sustainable legal service to support victims of crime who are seeking criminal injuries compensation;

• the WA Football Commission ($200,000) to engage youth from the south-east metropolitan area in football to keep them away from drug use and criminal activity;

• Dungeon Youth Centre ($191,590) to address a range of issues presented by at-risk young people who live in Ballajura and surrounding suburbs;

• JSW Training and Community Services ($196,070) to initiate their “Cycle of Change” program targeting disengaged youth from the greater Bunbury and Busselton region;

• My Place Foundation ($191,812) to establish a mentoring program in Albany for people with a disability who are at risk of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity as a result of drugs and other substance abuse.

The full list of the successful applicants in this round and more information about the program is available at http://www.dotag.wa.gov.au