Aims
Client Focus
Services
Outcomes
Staffing
Community Networking
AFP Involvement in RecLink
Strategies includes:
RecLink Today
Current Programs

RecLink was launched in December 2000.


RecLink is a program that aims to introduce and inform young people "at risk" to recreational possibilities for the positive use of leisure time.


The RecLink program targets young people who are experiencing or at risk of the following -

  • Geographical Isolation
  • Familial Isolation
  • Accommodation Difficulties
  • Vocational and Educational Difficulties
  • Drug and Alcohol Difficulties
  • Youth Justice Clients
  • YSAAP Residents
  • Disabilities
  • Low-Socio Economic Families


RecLink provides four avenues of support/activities to at risk young people.

  • Centre Based Programs - Structured and planned sport and recreation activities, in four accessible locations throughout the ACT (Erindale CPCYC, Turner CPCYC, Belconnen Community service, Tuggeranong Youth Service).
  • Outreach Based Programs - Utilising a mobile activity centre (MAC), sport and recreational activities are provided in a wide range of locations accessible to young people in geographically isolated areas. MAC activities include planned events, ongoing events and informal, one-off events as required.
  • Information, Referral and Advocacy - One off or short-term individual support. This service can be provided through centre based and outreach services.
  • Case Work - Working to maximise positive outcomes for the young person as negotiated with the young person. This service can be provided through centre based and outreach activities.

  • Delivery of a variety of sport and recreational activities.
  • Provision of increased access to sport and recreational activities.
  • Developing strategic partnerships between RecLink & community organizations.
  • Provide young people with opportunities to develop mentoring and leadership skills.
  • Improved relationships between young people and police.
  • Reduction in youth criminal recidivism.
  • Developing individual resilience.
  • Promotion of RecLink to young people and the wider community.

    • Program Manager x1 fulltime position (police officer)
    • Youth Worker x2 fulltime positions
    • Trainees x1 fulltime position
    • Coaches Casual as required


    RecLink works extensively with a wide range of community organizations in order to improve young people's opportunities to access sporting and recreational services. These organizations include, but are not limited to: MensLink, Quamby, Youth Justice, Youth Centres, Youth In The City, Richmond Fellowship, Adolescent Day Program, Youth Refugees, AFP, Schools ACT wide, Ted Noffs Foundation and YWCA.


    Since its beginning, ACT Policing has participated in the RecLink program. This is in large a result of the dedication of the Crime Prevention Portfolio.

    AFP involvement includes the following:
  • Police Liaison Officer - A sworn police officer is seconded full time to the RecLink program. The duties of the police liaison officer include participating in outreach activities, centre-based activities, case management, and promotion of the service to community services and schools and promoting the program to the AFP.
  • Outreach Services - Every Friday, a representative from the Crime Prevention Portfolio attends the afternoon soccer games that are facilitated by RecLink for young people from multicultural backgrounds. Participation in the soccer games by a police officer encourages the breakdown of barriers between young people and police. Police officers ACT wide are invited to attend all outreach services that are held each week. At this point in time, police officers are only attending the weekly soccer games.
  • AFP Training College - RecLink is invited to make a presentation to each recruitment class to discuss the services offered to young people and the benefits to police officers. RecLink is also invited to make a presentation at induction training for police volunteers.
  • Community Events - On occasion, RecLink participates in community events with the Crime Prevention Portfolio. For example - RecLink provided a barbeque and sporting activities for the Suburban Crime Prevention Launch.
  • Referrals - A system has been established whereby AFP police officers and members can easily make referrals to the RecLink team. Referrals have been received from officers on the road for case management.

    • Prevention through early intervention, through the three program approach
    • Pathways to mainstream activity
    • Collaborative approach with wide community support (PCYCs, Regional
    • Community Service, Regional Youth Centres, YMCA & YWCA)
    • Collaborative approach with youth workers in the Drug & Alcohol Fields,
    • Mental Health, Health, Housing and School Support.


    REC LINK works intensively with youth at risk, providing team building and positive structures like team sports, meals, competitions, coaching, managing and administration. Youth participants would also be encouraged strongly to engage in volunteer activities. RecLink has had funding extended to 2010 and is working closely with other community organisations to target highly identified youth at risk.

    • Quamby Sport and Recreation Program
    • Adventure Racing and orienteering
    • Mountain Biking
    • Hip Hop Dancing
    • World Game Soccer
    • Go Karting
    • Wake Boarding
    • Break dancing
    • Boxing
    • Rock climbing
    • Mix Master DJ
    • MAC Entertainment Trailer
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