The Buddy program was developed as part of ACRO's youth development/ social justice initiatives. ACRO commenced the Youth Action Panel project in 1994 at Bremer State High School west of Brisbane and during the course of the program identified a need for a buddy style program to support younger students at the school. Originally targeted to reduce bullying and levels of fear amongst younger students, the program developed over time towards a peer-mentoring approach. The program was trialled over a twelve month period commencing in late 1996 and was well supported by years 10 (15 years) and 11 students (16 years), with well over the number required volunteering their services to become a buddy. Due to the large number of prospective buddies a selection process was required to ensure a workable number of participants in the program. However, due to the high demand the program was expanded to allow for groups of three to work with each class rather than the original proposal of pairs. Although male students did volunteer their services as buddies the ratio of female volunteers was much higher. ACRO strongly supports the involvement of all students who nominate to participate and recommend that selection processes should be based solely on the ability and skills which participants could bring to the process.

The program includes a two day training workshop delivered by ACRO facilitators to a group of students who are then allocated in groups of three to Year 8 classes. The training program includes skills development in the areas of communication, conflict resolution, team building, networking and problem solving. Buddies meet as a group once a week with an ACRO facilitator to discuss issues and develop activities and visit their assigned classes at least twice a week. Buddies can organise sporting and social events for the year eights (13 year olds) throughout the year and support individual year eight students in a variety of ways. Buddies were most active in the first two terms of the year with less perceived need in the latter half of the year.

The program was evaluated through a survey instrument administered to all participants as well as all staff who had contact through their classes. All feedback was extremely positive but the program was discontinued due to lack of funding. A detailed analysis of the program is contained in the Buddy Program Evaluation available through ACRO Head office. The program was overwhelmingly supported by the young people involved and is easily transportable in a variety of contexts involving young people.