Request for Proposals: Crime Prevention and Support Programme (South Africa)

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is inviting Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to apply for funding under the Crime Prevention and Support Programme. The programme supports community-based crime prevention, rehabilitation, diversion services, reintegration, and independent living initiatives that improve the wellbeing of vulnerable children, youth, adults, and families across the Western Cape.

About the Crime Prevention and Support Programme

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has launched this funding opportunity to strengthen crime prevention and social welfare services through partnerships with qualified Non-Profit Organisations.

The programme aims to reduce crime by providing prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, diversion, reintegration, and independent living services for vulnerable individuals and communities. It supports evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of crime while promoting safer communities and improving long-term social outcomes.

Programme Objectives

The programme seeks to:

• Increase community-based psychosocial support services.
• Promote social crime prevention and crime reduction.
• Reduce the number of children and youth entering the criminal justice system.
• Deliver statutory diversion services for children, youth, and adults in conflict with the law.
• Support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into families and communities.
• Promote restorative justice approaches.
• Improve independent living opportunities for young people leaving alternative care.
• Strengthen community wellbeing through professional social welfare services.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports projects in the following areas:

• Crime prevention.
• Early intervention services.
• Community development.
• Psychosocial support.
• Child and youth development.
• Diversion programmes.
• Rehabilitation services.
• Reintegration support.
• Restorative justice.
• Independent living services.
• Family strengthening.
• Behaviour change programmes.
• Substance abuse interventions.
• Gender-based violence prevention.
• Parenting support.
• Skills development.
• Youth empowerment.

Programme Components

1. Prevention and Early Intervention Services

This component supports structured, evidence-based programmes for children and youth who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

Supported interventions include:

• Behaviour modification programmes.
• Crime risk reduction initiatives.
• Substance abuse prevention.
• Family strengthening services.
• Parenting skills programmes.
• Domestic violence prevention.
• Gender-based violence prevention.
• Mentoring programmes for men and boys.
• Parenting support services.
• Psychosocial counselling.
• Trauma counselling.

All programmes must align with:

• Integrated Social Crime Prevention Strategy.
• Department of Social Development Diversion Minimum Norms and Standards.

Each programme must include:

• Facilitator Guide.
• Participant Manual.
• Clearly defined objectives.
• Measurable outcomes.

Services must be delivered by:

• Registered social workers.
• Registered social auxiliary workers.
• Qualified and experienced facilitators.

2. Statutory Services

This component supports comprehensive services for children, youth, and adults in conflict with the law.

Supported activities include:

• Comprehensive assessments.
• Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Diversion programmes.
• Accredited rehabilitation programmes.
• Information and education programmes.
• Individual counselling.
• Group therapy.
• Life skills development.
• Victim-offender mediation.
• Substance abuse interventions.
• Anger management.
• Family support programmes.

All services must:

• Comply with Diversion Minimum Norms and Standards.
• Follow restorative justice principles.
• Include long-term beneficiary tracking after programme completion.

3. Reintegration Services

Funding supports structured programmes that help beneficiaries successfully return to their families and communities after completing residential care or probation programmes.

Supported activities include:

• Psychosocial support.
• Group therapy.
• Family counselling.
• Victim-offender mediation.
• Restorative justice programmes.
• Therapeutic support.
• Referral to employment and economic opportunities.
• Ongoing beneficiary monitoring.

4. Independent Living Programme

This component supports young adults transitioning from alternative care into independent adulthood.

The programme serves young people aged 18 to 25 years who have been discharged from alternative care under Section 175 of the Children’s Act.

Supported services include:

• Independent living accommodation.
• Therapeutic interventions.
• Social work services.
• Educational support.
• Individual needs assessments.
• Skills development.
• Workplace mentoring.
• Monitoring and evaluation.

The goal is to help young people become self-sufficient, independent, and active members of society.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).
• Organisations delivering social welfare services.
• Community development organisations.
• Organisations with experience in crime prevention and rehabilitation.
• Organisations capable of providing statutory social services.

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-quality programmes that comply with departmental standards.

Programme Requirements

Funded organisations must:

• Deliver evidence-based interventions.
• Employ registered social workers or social auxiliary workers where required.
• Use trained and experienced facilitators.
• Develop structured programme materials.
• Monitor participant progress.
• Measure programme outcomes.
• Maintain accurate beneficiary records.
• Follow departmental policies and service standards.

Why This Programme Matters

Crime prevention extends beyond law enforcement by addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to offending behaviour.

Through community-based interventions, the programme aims to:

• Protect vulnerable children and youth.
• Strengthen families.
• Reduce repeat offending.
• Improve mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.
• Promote restorative justice.
• Build safer communities.
• Support successful reintegration into society.
• Improve long-term life opportunities for vulnerable individuals.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a strong application.

Step 1: Review Programme Guidelines

Carefully review the eligibility requirements, programme objectives, and service standards established by the Western Cape Department of Social Development.

Step 2: Develop Your Project Proposal

Prepare a proposal that includes:

• Programme objectives.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Service delivery approach.
• Implementation plan.
• Expected outcomes.
• Monitoring and evaluation framework.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Include all required organisational and programme documents as requested in the application guidelines.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit the completed proposal together with all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate experience in social welfare services.
• Present evidence-based programme models.
• Include measurable outcomes.
• Show strong monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Explain how services align with departmental standards.
• Demonstrate qualified staffing and organisational capacity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Incomplete applications.
• Lack of evidence-based programme design.
• Missing monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Failure to demonstrate compliance with departmental standards.
• Weak staffing plans.
• Poor documentation of organisational experience.
• Unclear beneficiary outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this funding?

Registered Non-Profit Organisations with experience in social welfare, crime prevention, rehabilitation, or community development services.

2. What services are supported?

The programme supports prevention, early intervention, diversion, rehabilitation, reintegration, psychosocial support, restorative justice, and independent living services.

3. Who are the target beneficiaries?

The programme serves vulnerable children, youth, adults in conflict with the law, families, and young people transitioning from alternative care.

4. What is the Independent Living Programme?

It provides accommodation, education, life skills, therapeutic support, and mentoring for young people aged 18–25 leaving alternative care.

5. Must programmes follow government standards?

Yes. Services must comply with the Department of Social Development’s Diversion Minimum Norms and Standards and relevant legislative requirements.

6. Are registered social workers required?

Yes. Certain services must be delivered by registered social workers or registered social auxiliary workers supported by trained facilitators.

7. Why is this programme important?

The programme helps reduce crime by addressing underlying social challenges, strengthening families, supporting rehabilitation, and creating safer, more resilient communities across the Western Cape.

Conclusion

The Western Cape Crime Prevention and Support Programme provides an important opportunity for experienced Non-Profit Organisations to strengthen community safety through evidence-based prevention, rehabilitation, diversion, reintegration, and independent living services. By investing in vulnerable individuals and families, the programme contributes to reducing crime, promoting restorative justice, and building stronger, more inclusive communities throughout the Western Cape.