Published Tuesday, 13 May, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
$3 million in support for Drug Court participants: Minister
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today announced $3 million to support Queenslanders getting their lives back on track through the Drug Court Program.
Ms Nelson-Carr said five organisations would share the funding over the next three years – the first time triennial funding has been granted – to help people find suitable housing and give them community support while completing their court orders.
“These organisations will provide safe accommodation and support for participants and their families, giving them the best opportunity to kick the drug habit and the cycle of crime,” she said.
“It recognises these families need help developing the skills they need to live independently, drug and crime-free.
“The triennial funding also gives service providers security to staff and plan for the next three years.”
During the pilot phase of the Supported Accommodation Program, the organisations involved have developed specialist knowledge, local networks and a track record of helping the client group.
“There are community benefits, from the reduction in drug-related crimes and offenders revisiting the court and prison systems.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the pilot began in 2002, with supported accommodation services provided in Southport, Beenleigh, Ipswich, Townsville and Cairns, with annual funding.
“Between 2002 to the end of 2006, 480 Queenslanders have been through the Supported Accommodation Program.”
Notes to Editors:
The five organisations receiving the Drug Court Accommodation Service funding are:
• Mission Australia Drug Court Pilot Program, $172,872
• Addiction Help Agency Cairns Inc, $172,892
• Gold Coast Drug Council Inc, $135,828
• Youth and Family Service (Logan City) Inc, Drug Court Support Service – Housing Section, $175,958
• Ozcare, The Turnaround Program (Ipswich Drug Court Pilot), $371,470
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Ms Nelson-Carr said five organisations would share the funding over the next three years – the first time triennial funding has been granted – to help people find suitable housing and give them community support while completing their court orders.
“These organisations will provide safe accommodation and support for participants and their families, giving them the best opportunity to kick the drug habit and the cycle of crime,” she said.
“It recognises these families need help developing the skills they need to live independently, drug and crime-free.
“The triennial funding also gives service providers security to staff and plan for the next three years.”
During the pilot phase of the Supported Accommodation Program, the organisations involved have developed specialist knowledge, local networks and a track record of helping the client group.
“There are community benefits, from the reduction in drug-related crimes and offenders revisiting the court and prison systems.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the pilot began in 2002, with supported accommodation services provided in Southport, Beenleigh, Ipswich, Townsville and Cairns, with annual funding.
“Between 2002 to the end of 2006, 480 Queenslanders have been through the Supported Accommodation Program.”
Notes to Editors:
The five organisations receiving the Drug Court Accommodation Service funding are:
• Mission Australia Drug Court Pilot Program, $172,872
• Addiction Help Agency Cairns Inc, $172,892
• Gold Coast Drug Council Inc, $135,828
• Youth and Family Service (Logan City) Inc, Drug Court Support Service – Housing Section, $175,958
• Ozcare, The Turnaround Program (Ipswich Drug Court Pilot), $371,470
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280