INDIGENOUS OFFENDERS SUPPORTED TO STOP REOFFENDING
2 October 2009
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $500,000 for the Shine for Kids Co-operative to help families of Indigenous offenders.
Shine will use the funding to work with offenders and their families prior to release and over twelve months following release to stop the cycle of crime.
“Indigenous people are over represented in the criminal justice system and projects such as Shine for Kids Cooperative in Aldavilla can help address this serious issue,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The Belonging to Family project will provide links to education, training and employment agencies. It will also provide opportunities for personal development and connect people with Indigenous culture.
“Shine has worked with Indigenous offenders and their families for more than 20 years in correction facilities in NSW and more recently in Victoria.
“This grant will enable Shine to continue its valuable work in reducing the rate of Indigenous incarceration.”
Mr O’Connor said this project used a culturally appropriate approach to reduce cyclical offending in Aboriginal prisoners.
“Programs that are culturally sensitive and address the needs of Indigenous prisoners can help reduce the high rates of imprisonment amongst this group,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This project will work with offenders and their families before and after release so they can settle back into the community when they return. This will benefit them, their families, and our community as a whole.”
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
