Its with great sadness that we announce the closure of our Youth Opportunity Program in Far North Queensland. Established in 2008, our dedicated team has worked with hundreds of young people who have been involved in the Youth Justice system.
Through our Community Response Service and Bail Support Service, weve helped many clients overcome challenges and re-engage in school, employment and their community. Act for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington, said the team have continually achieved positive outcomes for their clients.
Our team has always shown a commitment to young people that is second to none, and the work they do can only be done with genuine passion and positivity. The results of internal and independent evaluations have demonstrated tangible improvements and outcomes for clients, and the stories the team have shared of hilarious and heartbreaking moments with their clients are inspiring.
The work theyve done has actually changed lives, without their help some of these young people were heading towards a life of crime and incarceration. Today, many are confident, talented and engaged young people working towards a bright future. The impact our team have had on individuals, families and communities cannot be underestimated.
I am proud of their achievements and wish them all the best for their future. I am saddened that a great program and a great team has to close its doors due to lack of funding, Dr Carrington said.
The Youth Opportunity Program was originally funded through the Queensland Government Department of Communities, and most recently through the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Youth Justice. Funding for the program will not be renewed, and our doors will close on 30 September.
Our team is working with clients to help them achieve their case goals prior to the service closure, or where possible helping others to secure further support from other services.