More than 100 young men and women across Queensland have embarked on their journey to a better future after Project Booyah commenced last week.
The Queensland Police-led early intervention initiative has proven to be successful at re-engaging at-risk young people with their families, communities and education opportunities to set them 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 per cent of graduates achieve a Certificate II Foundation Skills Training Qualification, 77 per cent re-enter the education system, 46 per cent engage in further education or training, 33 per cent 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 per cent who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 10 per cent 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."
Project Booyah operates in partnership with PCYC at 10 locations around Queensland - Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Moreton, Logan, South Brisbane and Gold Coast.
More information on Project Booyah is available at https://projectbooyah.com.au/
