CRYPAR (Coordinated Response to Young People At Risk)

CRYPAR (Coordinated Response to Young People At Risk) is an early intervention/prevention initiative being piloted in North Brisbane Police District (NBD). The aim is to intervene early with young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years who are ‘at risk’ of involvement in the Juvenile Justice system. CRYPAR will operate in the NBD, which includes Boondall, Hendra, Stafford and Sandgate Police Divisions.

It has been identified that police see troubled youth much earlier than other services, often 12 months earlier. CRYPAR is a combined initiative of Queensland Police Service, Departments of Communities, Education and Health, Brisbane City Council, Community Services in Brisbane’s north and the CRYPAR committee.

A young person’s problems can remain unidentified until at risk of entry into the Juvenile Justice system. Young people/families can have very diverse needs and may need the assistance of a number of specialized services.

How it will work:

Police will be provided with training in youth culture, engaging young people and the referral process using the CRYPAR model. During their contact with a young person, police may identify an underlying problem placing them at risk. The issues may include but are not limited to, family conflict, relationship problems, substance abuse, domestic violence, health issues, antisocial behaviour, mental health and accommodation/homelessness.

Police will then be able to offer to refer the young person to an appropriate support service. Currently 17 local services have been identified as the CRYPAR first response referral list. With the consent of the young person and their parent/guardian the officer will complete a one-page referral form and then fax it to the nominated agency.

The services have signed an agreement to contact the young person within 48 hours and make an appointment to see them within 7 days.

For more information on this worthwhile initiative, please contact Vicki Ogilvie on 3364 3417 or 0409 342170.