Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou welcomed the $140,000 funding announcement for the Hume Youth Assistance and Referral Team (HYART).
The Hume Youth Assistance and Referral Team (HYART) is an early intervention, crime prevention and referral initiative, for young offenders and 'at risk' youth within Hume City. In partnership with community agencies and support services, HYART aims to assist young offenders to address the underlying causes of their issues.
“This project will help steer young Australians away from crime by improving life skills, encouraging a return to education and employment, and, particularly among recently arrived migrants and refugees, by helping them to better engage with their communities,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Brendan O’Connor announced the HYART funding under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to reducing crime.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that criminal proceeds are returned to the community through projects which make our communities safer, such as intervention programs for youth at risk,” Mr O’Connor said.
The Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) enables money from assets of crime confiscated under Commonwealth law to be returned to the community.
