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 initiative, 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.

Funded programs will strive to achieve the following key performance indicator targets (KPIs), including milestones and deliverables during the contract period.

• 90% of participants do no commit crime 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.

Submit a tender

Key dates

• Tenders open: 15 July 2026.
• Tenders close: 14 August 2026.
• Contracts expected to commence: October 2026.

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 evidence their proven track record in delivering successful early intervention programs that reduce youth crime and demonstrate how their proposed approach can be adapted to local needs.

• Total investment: $65 million over five years.
• Funding: up to $5 million per year.
• Contract duration: 3 years.

How to apply

Submit your tender proposal via VendorPanel.

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 Queensland 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.

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