Proven Initiatives

The Queensland Government is committed to reducing youth crime and increasing community safety through early intervention. As part of this commitment, $65 million has been allocated across five years to fund Proven Initiatives, a program designed to support established early intervention initiatives with a proven track record of success.

Proven Initiatives is a central part of the Queensland Government’s Gold Standard Early Intervention (GSEI) program, which focuses on re-engaging youth positively in community life. It provides funding for regionally focused programs that work with youth aged 8–17 who are demonstrating early signs of criminal or anti-social behaviours. These programs aim to:

• divert youth from crime
• increase participation in education, training, or employment
• foster community engagement and positive participation
• build connections between youth and their local communities.

In 2025, the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support (DYJVS) will undertake a multi-stage procurement approach to service design, establishment, and delivery for Proven Initiatives.

Stage 1: expressions of interest have closed

The Queensland Government recently invited suitably qualified organisations to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) to demonstrate their proven track record in delivering successful early intervention programs that reduce youth crime.

EOIs have now closed.

Stage 2: tender opportunity

Proponents who submitted viable proposals through the stage 1 EOI process will be invited to apply for funding under Proven Initiatives. This is an opportunity to secure funding for programs that deliver measurable outcomes in reducing youth offending and increasing community safety. Proponents are expected to demonstrate how their proposed approach can be adapted to local needs.

• Total investment: $65 million over five years.
• 2025 funding: $5 million in total.
• Contract duration: 3 years.
• Application process: Invite-only tender via VendorPanel.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for funding under Proven Initiatives, organisations must meet the following requirements:

• Programs must work with youth aged 8–17 who are:
  • displaying early signs of criminal or anti-social behaviours (e.g. drug and alcohol misuse, anger management issues)
  • disengaged from school or at high risk of exclusion
  • at risk of coming into contact with police or court systems
  • siblings of youth on Youth Justice orders.
• Programs must demonstrate measurable success in:
  • reducing youth offending
  • increasing participation in education, training, or employment
  • fostering community engagement and positive participation.
• Funded programs must meet the following key performance indicators (KPIs):
  • 90% of participants do not commit crimes during the program and in the 12 months after completion.
  • 75% of participants maintain school or training attendance or, where applicable, employment participation.
  • All participants engage in community or outreach activities to build connections into local communities.
  • All participants have regular program contact.
• Programs must:
  • be structured, evidence-based, holistic, and therapeutic
  • be tailored to the diverse needs of youth, including being culturally responsive where appropriate
  • be flexible, place-based, and responsive to local needs
  • be designed in consultation with the local community
  • include availability outside of normal business hours (e.g. evenings, weekends, public holidays) to meet community demand
  • have been operational in Queensland within the last 12 months.

Key dates

• EOIs assessed: October 2025 to November 2025.
• Invite-only tenders open: December 2025.
• Invite-only tenders close: February 2026.
• Contracts commence: Early 2026.

What programs will be funded?

Proven Initiatives will fund regionally focused programs that address the unique needs of youth in local communities. Examples of eligible programs:

• Mentorship and skill development: Individual or group mentoring to address pro-criminal attitudes, behaviours, and peer influences
• Education and employment readiness: Programs that help youth re-engage with school, gain vocational skills, or prepare for the workforce.
• Pro-social activities: Recreational and leisure activities that promote positive behaviours and long-term community engagement
• Family support: Initiatives that work with families to strengthen their capacity to support youth and maintain connections to positive activities.

Programs must demonstrate the capacity to deliver sustained engagement, particularly for youth who have experienced multiple service contacts without lasting change.

Referral pathways

The referral process will vary depending on the program and its regional focus.

Why Proven Initiatives?

Proven Initiatives is part of the Queensland Government’s broader strategy to address youth crime through early intervention. By funding programs that have a proven track record of success, the government aims to:

• prevent crime before it happens
• divert youth from lives of crime
• restore community safety
• support youth to become productive, accomplished individuals.

Contact us

For more information, email procurement@youthjustice.qld.gov.au.