A program targeting young people at-risk of offending is having a surge in popularity with thousands taking part since its inception.
The PCYC After Dark 'Drop In' program was launched at Morayfield in February 2023, in partnership with the local shopping centre, to divert at-risk youth into meaningful activities at night, and to foster positive relationships between police and local teens.
The program is one of 45 After Dark programs run at PCYCs across Queensland, engaging more than 20,500 young people across more than 1,200 sessions between June 2023 and June 2024.
The program allows young people, aged between 12 and 18, to "drop in" to participate in free, weekly sports-based sessions and improve their physical and mental health.
The Caboolture 'Drop In' After Dark program features visits from well-known sporting players including from NRL teams, as well as volunteers from Caboolture Sports Club, headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, and more.
Once a month the program hosts a special event, featuring inclusions from a DJ and art sessions to free hair and make-up with beauty apprenticeship programs and opportunities to speak to varying industries about employment prospects.
Sergeant Mark Haestier said the program served as a safe place for young people to participate, make friends, engage with police and receive referrals to further support services and agencies.
"This program is about educating and inspiring our local young people to make good decisions," Sergeant Haestier said.
"But it is also about supporting community safety and redirecting young people down the right path.
"We have already had really positive feedback from local residents and business owners about a reduction in youth offending and anti-social behaviour in the area since the program began.
"Children at-risk of offending include those disengaged from education, walking the streets at night, facing social issues including bullying, domestic and family violence or mental health concerns and those beginning to hang out with the wrong crowd.
"For many of these children, the 'Drop In' program is the first time they have interacted with police, and we want to ensure it is a positive experience."
The After Dark 'Drop In' program began with a handful of young people attending 18 months ago, and has since soared in popularity, attracting between 70 and 130 young people each week.
"It's really inspiring to see so many people take part, and I'd encourage anyone who is interested to come down and join us on a Thursday evening," Sergeant Haestier said.
"The 'Drop In' program supports our current response to youth crime issues which centres around keeping the community safe, high-visibility policing to deter and disrupt offending, and early intervention and prevention to keep our young people on the right path.
"I am incredibly proud of what some of our young people have achieved through this program and I look forward to helping it continue to grow," Sergeant Haestier said.
PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said programs like After Dark gave young people a space where young people can find connection and support.
"It's fantastic to hear of the success of this After Dark program and the positive impact it is having on young people in the area," he said.
"Though centered on sports, the impact of this program extends far beyond that. It uses sport, and its inherent teamwork and mateship, as a foundation for young people to build resilience, foster connections, and boost self-esteem and confidence.
"Like Sergeant Haestier, I am so proud of what the young people can achieve through this program, when shown a positive path and given the support they need to take it."
To find out more about the PCYC After Dark 'Drop In' program, visit pcyc.org.au/youth-and-community/personal-and-leadership-development/after-dark-youth-development-program/.
PCYC Morayfield's After Dark Drop in Program is held in the park across from Morayfield Shopping Centre every Thursday night, from 5.30pm.
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