U-Turn Program

Download the U-Turn Enrolment Application Form ( 95 KB)
Download the Consent to Criminal History Check Form ( 46 KB)
Download the Victim of Vehicle Theft - Car Giveaway Nomination Form ( 43 KB)

Diverting Young People from Vehicle Theft in Queensland.

The Queensland Police Service has been given the green light to pilot a project aimed at reducing motor vehicle theft by giving young offenders the opportunity to turn their lives around.

The Service has received funding from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) and the Australian Government's National Crime Prevention Program to manage the Queensland pilot of the U-Turn Program.

U-Turn is based on the NMVTRC Best Practice Model and Business Plan for a Young Recidivist Car Theft Offender Program*. The program offers a structured ten-week training course for young car theft offenders, aged between 15 and 20. Its aim is to prevent them from becoming recidivist offenders.

* The link above leaves the QPS Internet Site and opens a word document with content produced by the NMVTRC.

This program includes a blend of mechanical training, case management and post-course support to young people with a history of motor vehicle offences and those identified as at risk of participating in motor vehicle theft. By offering networks of personal support and pathways to further training and/or employment, the program aims to break the cycle of re-offending and reduce the impact of vehicle theft on the Queensland community.

The NMVTRC is a joint initiative of all Australian governments and the Insurance Industry

Graduates receive a Certificate 1 (Automotive) issued by TAFE and are linked work experience, employment or further training.

All course materials, safety equipment, meals, rail and bus travel are provided free.

U-Turn is delivered by Logan YMCA Youth Services, a registered charity, at 10 Allgas Street Slacks Creek under contract to the Police Service.

Participation in U-Turn is voluntary and candidates may be referred to the program simply by forwarding an Enrolment Application Form ( 95 KB) from this site. 

Restorative Car Giveaway

Restorative justice is a key feature of U-Turn. Participants as part of their accredited training repair donated vehicles for presentation to victims of vehicle theft who have suffered hardship.

If you would like to nominate a potential recipient, please forward a completed Victim of Vehicle Theft Nomination Form ( 43 KB) from this site.

For further information about the U-Turn Program or to offer your support, please contact us:

QPS Project Manager
Avril Davis
Phone: 07 3826 1948

or

YMCA U-Turn Program Coordinator
Lisa Padden
Phone: 07 3208 9715
Fax: 07 3208 5733

 

Motor sport recreation activities provide a positive motivational experience.

Karting photo courtesy of Tasmania Police