A project being run through Logan PCYCs is seeing at-risk youth being sent back to school and re-uniting with their families.
The police-led early intervention program has proven to be successful at setting young people up for the future.
Acting superintendent Rob Fleischer said the 16-week program connects with 14 to 17-year-olds who are at risk of, or already involved in, criminal behaviour.
“The support doesn’t stop after the program finishes, these young men and women are supported through an additional program until they turn 18,” he said.
“Last year across Queensland, we saw 82% of graduates achieve a Certificate II Foundation Skills Training Qualification, 77% re-enter the education system, 46% engage in further education or training, 33% undertake work experience and 28 per cent obtain employment through taking part in the program.
“It’s great to see these important outcomes achieved across a diverse cohort of young people including 43% who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 10% who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”
State manager of youth programs, acting inspector James Steginga said he looked forward to seeing what this year’s cohort achieved.
“At the start of the course, we often experience challenging behaviours but it’s rewarding to see how much their demeanour changes and self-confidence increases when they graduate,” he said.
“We appreciate the challenges these kids face at home, in their communities or peer groups. Our desire is to see them succeed through re-engagement into further education or employment and we work with them until that’s their reality.
“The Project Booyah program is an opportunity to change perceptions and relationships between young people and police and we often see lasting relationships formed.”
