An independent evaluation has shown PCYC’s P180 youth diversion program is an effective early intervention program for at-risk young people in the ACT.
Running since 2016, the program is an evidence-based early intervention program, providing trauma-informed mentoring, education and case management tailored to each young person.
The program targets young people experiencing complex challenges, including disengagement from school, unstable home environments and exposure to crime.
The ACT Government has committed $500,000 through the Crime Prevention Fund over two years from 2025-26 to expand Project 180, increasing outreach support and access to specialist services such as counselling and psychological support. This investment is complemented by more than $400,000 in ACT Policing funding over the same period, demonstrating a strong partnership to strengthen early intervention and support for at-risk young people.
The independent evaluation by the University of Canberra showed P180 contributed to improved wellbeing, emotional regulation, confidence, family relationships, educational engagement, employment readiness, help-seeking and positive future orientation.
The program also filled an important service gap between mainstream education, community youth services and formal justice responses.
Minister for Police Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the evaluation showed that early intervention can work, particularly when support is delivered at the point young people are ready for change.
“I met with the young people firsthand to see the difference Project 180 has made in their lives. It is of paramount importance that we invest in programs that have tangible impacts to support vulnerable young people, such as this one.
“I would like to thank the dedicated teams at PCYC and ACT Policing for their ongoing commitment to this program. Their work is changing lives, strengthening families and helping create safer communities. I look forward to continuing to support Project 180 to deliver positive outcomes for young people in the years ahead.”
The evaluation report can be found online at www.act.gov.au/open/pcyc-project-180-evaluation-report.
Quotes attributable to Kate Wisbey, CEO, Canberra PCYC:
“The findings are clear. Project 180 works, and now we know why. Parents told the evaluators how much they valued having trusted adults outside the family in their young person’s corner. That is a credit to our team, and to every family who worked alongside them.
“The evaluation also found timing matters. When a young person is ready to change, that is the moment to act, because the window can close.
“The ACT Government’s investment means we can now reach young people sooner and stay with them longer. That’s how real change sticks. “
Quotes attributable to ACT Policing Acting Commander of Operations Joseph Thorn
“ACT Policing is proud to partner with Canberra PCYC on the important Project 180 initiative and the work it does with at-risk young people.
“One of ACT Policing’s strategic priorities is forming partnerships within the community to address crime holistically and this is demonstrated in the evidence-based intervention programs such as Project 180 that engages youth who have come into contact with the justice system or who are at risk of entering the justice system.”
