Groups working to keep youth out of gangs, young women out of human traffickers' hands and violence out of family homes are among those invited to share up to $1 million - all of it proceeds forfeited as a result of unlawful activity.

The latest round of grants from B.C.'s successful civil forfeiture program will focus on preventing youth involvement in crime, combating human trafficking and sexual exploitation, preventing family violence and violence against women, and community crime prevention. Application process details will be available Nov. 14 at: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/crimeprevention/grants/index.htm

Government's civil forfeiture special account has supported safe communities and strong families through similar grant programs in the past. For example, projects funded through a $5.5-million program at the end of 2011-12 have worked to:

• Raise awareness of the dangers of the drug Ecstasy.

• Support restorative justice training throughout B.C.

• Build awareness about domestic violence among school-aged children.

• Prevent violence against women and children, including those in abusive relationships.

• Counter youth gang involvement, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

• Fund police training and equipment to aid local crime prevention efforts.

Today's announcement was held in conjunction with School District 36, which received a $210,000 grant earlier this year for its Diverse Youth Gang Prevention and Intervention Program. This partnership with Surrey RCMP and the City of Surrey has focused individualized plans on all aspects of youths' lives, including their academic and home circumstances, as building blocks toward a crime-free future. Youth involved were previously assessed as at highest risk based on Surrey RCMP and school district data.

B.C.'s self-funding Civil Forfeiture Office (CFO) has taken in approximately $28.7 million since 2006, including more than $10.8 million last year. The office counters the profit motive behind much unlawful activity, filing civil court actions against property that is alleged to be a tool used to further unlawful activity or a proceed of it.

Under B.C.'s Family Agenda, government is committed to ensuring communities and families feel protected and safe. British Columbians are encouraged to learn more and provide feedback at: www.familiesfirstbc.ca

Quotes:

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -

"Crime prevention is critical to our broader justice reform goals. Even though B.C. continues to enjoy one of its lowest crime rates in decades, vigilant, local programs that focus on local concerns are vital to maintaining that trend. We are continuing to dedicate civil forfeiture proceeds to fantastic work like what's taking place in Surrey and many other communities, to prevent violence, protect vulnerable people, support strong families and safer streets. Civil forfeiture means crime doesn't pay for criminals and is great news for those working to keep their communities safe."

Surrey Board of Education chairperson Laurae McNally -

"The Justice Ministry funding we've received has enabled district staff to help many students in our district - particularly our refugee and immigrant youth - to build stability, self-reliance, pride and optimism about their futures, and to receive one-on-one mentorship and support that might not be possible otherwise."

Chief Supt. Bill Fordy, officer in charge, Surrey RCMP -

"With the size and scope of investigations undertaken regularly by the Surrey RCMP, we have been able to solidify a very strong, ongoing, effective relationship with our partners in the provincial government's Civil Forfeiture Office. The immediacy of the process is gratifying, as police see first-hand the positive impacts when proceeds of criminal commerce are put back into good use in programs at the local level. It is tremendously rewarding to see assets obtained through criminal commerce converted to assist those most vulnerable in our society, including those initially preyed upon by criminal organizations to achieve their fortunes."

Dave Hayer, MLA, Surrey-Tynehead -

"Our government has expended a great deal of money and time over the past decade fighting drug and gang crime, and the proceeds from civil forfeiture is one of the many tools we use to combat this criminal element. Take away the profits and we remove the incentive to join gangs and deal in drugs, so it's very fitting that once again, civil forfeiture proceeds are being used to mitigate a variety of conditions that can and do lead vulnerable young women and men to participate in - or be victimized by - organized crime."

Quick Facts:

• Of the more than 1,250 cases police have referred to the civil forfeiture program since its inception in 2006, the CFO has acted on 932. Of those, two-thirds are concluded.

• Today, more than 360 cases are ongoing.

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961