CHILDREN SNAP TO REDUCE ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
2 October 2009
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $480,000 to Kilmany UnitingCare to work with children in Gippsland to keep them in school and away from problems with the law.
Kilmany UnitingCare’s Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) project is an early intervention program to change any antisocial behaviour in children between the ages of 6-12 years in the Gippsland region.
“SNAP is a strategy that helps children and parents regulate angry feelings by getting them to stop, think, and plan positive alternatives before they act impulsively,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Programs like SNAP improve a child’s self control and problem solving skills, and help reduce the likelihood of them acting in criminal or anti-social ways.
“SNAP will provide at risk children and parents with the knowledge and resources necessary to make a positive change in their lives.”
“The purpose of this project is to improve and stop any antisocial behaviour, keep these children in school and prevent any contact with the law,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The project is based on a Canadian program that has been running for over 20 years and has reported a 50 per cent decrease in the risk-factors associated with offending.”
The grant is one of a number to be made under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) which enables money from assets confiscated under Commonwealth law to be returned to the community. More than $6 million of funding under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) will be distributed to community groups for crime prevention and Indigenous prisoner projects.
Media Contact: Christian Taubenschlag 0438 595 567
