October 24, 2012
The Queensland Early Intervention Pilot Project – an alcohol awareness and early intervention program which operates in Cherbourg – will be marking its second anniversary this week.
QEIPP targets people under the age of 17 to generate healthier perceptions of drinking and influence change in attitudes about alcohol use.
The project started in Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast in October 2010 and expanded to operate in Cherbourg, Toowoomba, Cairns, Logan, Brisbane City and Emerald the following year.
A police spokesman said police in these areas had begun to see a reduction in levels of intoxication among young people and a positive change in the drinking culture resulting in a reduction in the risk of harm as a result of binge drinking.
Statistics to date indicate that 87 per cent of youth who police have had QEIPP-related interaction with have not come back to the attention of officers again in relation to these issues.
During the 2011-12 financial year, police across the pilot areas had 1844 QEIPP-related interactions with young people.
The QEIPP process is triggered when an officer comes into contact with a young person committing an alcohol-related offence or at risk of harm due to intoxication.
The officer makes a referral to QEIPP which then sends an alcohol information package to the young person and their parent or guardian.
The kit includes information about the effects of alcohol and local support services available, as well as an invitation to attend a free alcohol education awareness session presented by a qualified health care professional.
Up until the end of August, QEIPP distributed 3066 alcohol information packages, 6005 standard information brochures, 5157 parent-young person information brochures and 1782 information brochures for 17-year-olds.
Project Manager Inspector Lingwood said the project was having a positive impact in the communities.
“We often see a young person’s life at a cross roads and with a little bit of assistance their lives can be changed for the better, allowing them to have a more positive outlook and future,” he said.
“QEIPP has developed strong partnerships with Queensland Health, Department of Education and Training, Department of Communities, school nurses, Dovetail, CARRSQ, and other community-based organisations.”
The project is federally funded under the National Binge Drinking Strategy and managed by the Queensland Police Service in partnership with Queensland Health.
