The Northern Territory government has pledged almost $1 million for youth substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Labor has delivered the election promise three days after the juvenile justice and child protection royal commission's recommendations called for early intervention measures to curb youth crime.
The Gunner government will invest $75,000 in drug and alcohol rehab and provide $240,000 in grants for projects preventing substance misuse.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles says the funding will be targeted in Alice Springs and the East Arnhem region.
"Applications are open for grants of up to $20,000 each for community projects or initiatives aimed at preventing youth substance misuse in the Northern Territory," she said.
Applications are open until December 1.
It comes as NT police launch a strategy to deliver an increased proactive presence in Alice Springs ahead of the school holidays.
Commander Michael White says Operation Shulton will focus on anti-social hot spots to keep youngsters engaged and off the streets, as well as target domestic violence and drink driving.
He says officers will work with outreach teams and youth service providers.
On Monday nearly 100 non government organisations expressed horror at the "torture" of kids behind bars uncovered in the inquiry and called on prime minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene.
The Change The Record coalition of Aboriginal, human rights and community groups demanded state, territory and federal government build on the Royal commission's final report to overhaul the country's youth justice systems.
NT'S YOUTH REHAB FUNDING:
$250,000 for two full time trauma-informed care workers in Alice Springs - for Bush Mob to enhance existing youth residential rehab services and Holyoake to develop counselling programs.
$350 000 towards four full time volatile substance abuse workers in East Arnhem to support Miwatj community-based work to reduce and prevent harmful sniffing.
$150 000 for flexible rapid responses to youth alcohol and drug issues. This year it will go towards programs in East Arnhem.
$240,000 in grants for projects that prevent substance misuse.
