Crime prevention schools

The Queensland Government is committed to delivering safety where you live and securing brighter futures for at-risk youth through the establishment of Crime prevention schools. This initiative is part of a broader $50 million investment across 5 years to create 4 new specialised schools that re-engage youth who:

• are in grades 7 to 12
• have disengaged from mainstream education
• are at risk of coming into contact with police
• have needs that cannot be accommodated within a conventional school setting.

Operating under the Special Assistance School model, Crime prevention schools will deliver a program that:

• provides youths with a stronger engagement with education and employment
• secures improvements in wellbeing, resilience and mental health outcomes
• fosters stronger family and community supports
• delivers wraparound support services in conjunction with the education program
• works in partnership with families and communities to build protective factors
• supports youths to achieve positive goals
• takes into account the specific needs of the local community.

The 4 new schools will be located in:

• Townsville
• Gold Coast
• Ipswich
• Rockhampton.

The Men of Business Academy at Southport will operate the first new Crime prevention school and commence student intake once accreditation processes are finalised. Queensland Government funding will enable the academy to cater to students in grades 7 to 10 in addition to its current grade 11 and 12 cohort.

Expressions of interest have closed

The Queensland Government recently invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from experienced organisations to deliver the program in collaboration with the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support (DYJVS) for the remaining 3 Crime prevention schools in Townsville, Ipswich, and Rockhampton.

This is a unique opportunity to partner with the Queensland Government and make a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

Applicants with viable submissions to the EOI process will be invited to a second phase in a selection process to tender for funding to establish and deliver the services in their selected location/s.

By partnering with us, you will play a vital role in supporting vulnerable youth, reducing crime, and creating safer communities across Queensland.

Eligibility and expectations

Organisations tendering for Crime prevention school funding must:

• work in collaboration with the Department of Youth Justice and Victim support
• be equipped to operate a Special Assistance School under the Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017
• design tailored education services for grades 7 to 12
• have the capacity to enrol up to 225 students annually per location
• include wraparound services, such as mentoring, behavioural support, and family and community connection
• address specific needs and views of the local community as part of program service design and intended deliver
• (if successful with EOI and tender submissions) agree to commence service delivery within 9 months of contract execution.

Program features

The Crime prevention schools will:

• offer a project-based curriculum with core subjects, specialist teachers, and extracurricular activities
• provide wraparound services to address barriers to education, including mental health support, Allied Health services, and family engagement
• support effective engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse youths and families in a culturally responsive manner
• develop transition pathways to further education, training, or employment.

This initiative aligns with the Queensland Government’s Making Queensland Safer Plan and aims to reduce youth offending by addressing the root causes of disengagement from education.

Contact us

Need help? Contact the Youth Justice Procurement team via procurement@youthjustice.qld.gov.au.