- $973,964 in Lotterywest grants awarded to the Australian Childhood Foundation to support vulnerable youth in Western Australia
- $614,800 awarded towards a new office space to support children and young people affected by trauma
- $359,164 awarded to support projects that improve outcomes for disadvantaged youth
The Cook Government has presented the Australian Childhood Foundation with two grants totalling nearly $1 million to support vulnerable Western Australian youth.
The first grant is for $614,800 to support the fit-out and renovation of a new office space for the Australian Childhood Foundation to deliver improved outcomes for children and young people affected by trauma in WA.
The new office will provide space for public facing activities to provide more support for some of WA's most vulnerable children and young people.
The second grant is for $359,164 to support two projects for at-risk youth including the Equestrian Youth Engagement Service and the Interplay of Trauma and Autism Project.
The Equestrian Youth Engagement Service Project will support at-risk young people aged 14-23 years old who are disengaged from education, training or employment and are experiencing complex life issues.
The project will offer practical training and exposure to opportunities, work experience and skills in the equestrian industry.
The program aligns with the State Government's At Risk Youth Strategy 2022-2027, which supports vulnerable young people aged 10 to 24 years to successfully transition to adulthood.
The Interplay of Trauma and Autism Project will support the co-development of resources and training to better understand the impacts of trauma in children with autism.
The resources and training will be developed and piloted in partnership with other not-for-profit organisations over a six-month period.
As stated by Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"I'm pleased to see these grants supporting services that make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people across Western Australia.
"The Cook Government is committed to ensuring young people facing trauma, disadvantage or disengagement have access to the support they need to thrive.
"We value the work of organisations like the Australian Childhood Foundation, who are delivering practical, community-based programs to help set young people up for a better future."
As stated by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"I'm honoured to award these grants totalling nearly $1 million to the Australian Childhood Foundation on behalf of the State Government.
"The Cook Government values the work of organisations like the Australian Childhood Foundation which are helping to support vulnerable young people and set them up on a path of success."
