Canberra Police Community Youth Club Project 180 evaluation report
External evaluation report of the CPCYC Project 180 program.
Summary
Project 180 (P180) is an evidence-based, 20-week intensive early intervention and diversion program for young people aged 12 to 18 who are:
- at risk of offending
- involved in the youth justice system
- disengaged from education
- experiencing significant adversity.
The program aims to reduce anti-social and offending behaviour, strengthen community connections, and support participation in education, training and employment.
Referrals to P180 come from:
- ACT Policing
- Child and Youth Protection Services
- schools
- community services
- Canberra Police Community Youth Club (CPCYC) staff.
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate of ACT Government funded the University of Canberra to undertake an external process and outcome evaluation of P180 to consider if the program operates effectively as an early intervention and diversion program.
Overall, the evaluation found that that P180 is an effective and highly valued intensive early intervention program for young people at moderate to high risk of antisocial or offending behaviour. It also makes recommendations to further strengthen P180.
The evaluation also found that P180 aligns closely with the ACT Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2031, particularly its focus on earlier support, diversion, caring and healing approaches, and participation in education, employment and community life.