Further funding for local solutions to youth offending available

Innovative programmes aimed at reducing youth offending have been awarded $730,000 says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett. The third round of the Fresh Start Innovation Fund has been awarded to nine community providers with a history of working with youth. Successful programmes range from tikanga Māori based programmes in Horowhenua, Hutt Valley and Taupō, to a programme in Invercargill that works with the whole family to deal with difficult, at-risk youth. An additional round will open in July this year. Applications for the 2012/2013 funding period will open early next year So far, 34 programme providers have received almost $3 million from the Innovation Fund, which is part of the Fresh Start youth justice initiatives introduced last February. A full media release is available at: http://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/release/funding-local-solutions-youth-offen...

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