The Queensland Police Service is hailing the success of its Project Booyah early intervention initiative, declaring it was re-engaging at-risk young people with their families, communities and education opportunities.
Acting Police Superintendent Rob Fleischer said the 16-week program connected with 14-to-17-year-olds who were at risk of, or already involved in, criminal behaviour.
“The support doesn’t stop after the program finishes,” A/Supt Fleischer said, “these young men and women are supported through an additional program until they turn 18.”
“Last year we saw 82 per cent of graduates achieve a Certificate II Foundation Skills Training Qualification, 77 per cent re-entered the education system, 46 per cent engaged in further education or training, 33 per cent undertook work experience and 28 per cent obtained employment through taking part in the program.”
He said it was great to see these important outcomes achieved across a diverse cohort of young people, including the 43 per cent who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and the 10 per cent who were 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 behaviour, but it’s rewarding to see how much their demeanour changes and self-confidence increases when they graduate,” A/Insp Steginga 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.”
He said the Project Booyah program was an opportunity to change perceptions and relationships between young people and police “and we often see lasting relationships formed”.
