Beenleigh Together Against Truancy (BTAT) Program

BTAT Hits the Streets of Beenleigh

 

After months of planning, consultation and careful consideration, the Beenleigh PCYC in partnership with Beenleigh Police, Beenleigh High School and Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce have commenced the Beenleigh Together Against Truancy (BTAT) Program, a new initiative to the Beenleigh Community and Beenleigh CBD Businesses.

 

 

Beenleigh PCYC has employed a full time truancy officer to work alongside a Beenleigh Police Officer to address the current problem of truant students who are hanging in and around the Beenleigh CBD.

 

The BTAT program is primarily designed to deter young people from truanting, in turn, decreasing the real and perceived risks associated with loitering and anti social behaviours.  In addition, the program aims to reduce the incidence of crimes and subsequent police intervention within the Beenleigh CBD, positively influencing productivity and the culture of the wider community in general.

 

Some young people struggle to conform to the many rules regulations and expectations of society and need extra support and guidance to navigate their way through the adolescent years. It has been said that it takes a community to raise a child and as our children grow into young adults, a united community can only benefit this transition. 

 

The (BTAT) Program has strategies designed to encourage reengagement into the education system.  The young people will be offered (via referral from BSHS) the opportunity to participate in the Support and Strengthening Program (SAS) which is an initiative currently running in conjunction with the BTAT Program.  It endeavours to positively influence the attitudes of young people. It is envisaged that with appropriate intervention, focusing on their strengths and talents, young people will be supported to make better choices and create opportunities for themselves.

 

For further information on the BTAT Program or to lend your support, please contact Beenleigh Assistant Branch Manager, Senior Constable Mark Haestier of Beenleigh PCYC.