New PCYC plan a step in right direction

A common approach to activities and programs for Police and Community Youth Centres across the board is a positive step forward, says Rockingham centre manager Jackie Abbott.

The WA Federation of PCYCs announced its new three-year strategic plan last week, with a future goal of “becoming an organisation that has a reputation for leadership in preventing and diverting youth from crime”.

The Strategic Plan highlighted four priorities of change, including developing business, people, service delivery, partnerships and external relationships.

Mrs Abbott said the new plan would be beneficial to helping the Rockingham centre extend its programs.

“All of the centres previously have been run independently, so basically what they are trying to do is get everybody with the same vision and same outcomes so that we can multiply programs,” she said.

“So instead of everybody doing different things, we are all going to be heading in the same direction, helping youth at risk right across the board through programs and extension programs.”

With the Rockingham centre already running two successful youth programs Weld to Life and Right to Write, Mrs Abbott said she hoped to bring in support programs aimed at keeping teenagers engaged before and after certificate courses.

“Youth at risk do a program that might be 13 or 16 weeks, but after that we seldom have anything further to offer them,” she said.

“What we are hoping to be able do is make it a more complete process for them so that we continue to map their progress and engage them in other areas if they need to move on or need extra help.

“Sometimes, unfortunately, our kids when they come through, they are not ready for certified training, so what we would like to do in the future, specifically at Rockingham, is offer some programs that introduce them to the lifestyle that they should want to change to.”