Programs that change the direction of a young life
Evidence-based early intervention and diversion programs, co-designed with young people and their families, delivered in partnership with ACT Policing, schools and community services across the ACT.
Start with the young person, not the program name
Each program below starts with who it is for. If none of them reads like the young person in front of you, send us a referral enquiry anyway and leave the matching to us — that is our job, not yours.
A teenager in contact with police, and heading for more of it, who needs a full-time program rather than an hour a week.
Project 180
Our flagship full-time diversion program for high-needs young people — recreation, education and vocational pathways with intensive case coordination alongside ACT Policing and CYPS.
Make a referral →
An 8 to 16 year old starting to take the kind of risks that worry the adults around them, before it becomes a police matter.
Level Up
Therapeutic risk-taking, social-emotional learning and community engagement that build resilience and prosocial connections for at-risk and vulnerable young people.
Make a referral →
A young person whose home is in conflict, or close to it.
Solid Ground
Strengths-based mentoring and casework for young people at risk of, or experiencing, family conflict — fostering safe, supportive environments.
Make a referral →
A family that needs practical, coordinated support rather than another referral.
Project Empower
Individual and family case management under the ACT Child, Youth and Family Support Program — practical goals, real solutions, connected supports.
Make a referral →
A 10 to 25 year old who needs a real qualification and a route into work.
Pathways to Empowerment
A 20-week intensive program building employment pathways through vocational education, personal development and real qualifications.
Make a referral →
A young person who just needs somewhere to be on a Wednesday afternoon, with adults who will notice them.
Firebelly
Our free weekly drop-in session — sport, recreation and connection with youth workers, every Wednesday 4–5pm during school terms at the Erindale Centre.
Refer or just come along →“I don't know how you do it but you have given me my son back! We are a family again. We thought we had lost him. Thanks for all your team does.” Family of a Project 180 participantMake a referral
Behind the Wheel — free for ACT schools
An intensive road-safety program for young people: first-responder presentations, vehicle checks and maintenance, driver simulators and learner-driver skills. Funded by the ACT Government and Rotary, delivered by skilled youth workers — at no cost to your school.
Run over two full days or ten shorter sessions, shaped around your timetable. Community organisations and individual young people are welcome too.
Good questions, straight answers
How do I make a referral, and who can refer a young person?
Referrals come from ACT Policing, schools, government agencies, community organisations — and from families directly. Use the referral form or call (02) 6296 7822, and a program coordinator will be in touch to discuss fit, timing and consent.
What ages are your programs for?
Community programs span roughly ages 8 to 25 depending on the program — Project 180 supports ages 12.5–16, Level Up ages 8–16, and Pathways to Empowerment ages 10–25. Erindale Centre programs run from 12 months (Tots Tumbling) to adults.
Is Behind the Wheel really free for schools?
Yes. Behind the Wheel is funded by the ACT Government and Rotary, so there is no cost to ACT schools. Delivery is flexible — two full days or ten shorter sessions.