The Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy is designed to address some of the issues that lead to youth crime such as: truancy, poor grades, strained family relationships, unhealthy peer pressure, poor self awareness and perception, involvement with unhealthy activities and a lack of awareness of the immediate and long term consequences of a youth’s behavior that lead to poor choices. CYES assists youth 9-17 years of age with developing skills in empathy, affirmation, communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and problem solving. The young person will participate in a 1 day workshop, individual sessions or both as determined during an intake and assessment.

The goal of CYES is to intervene with youth before their behaviors become habitual and long term. Through the program activities, youth are supported with developing a positive self identity, self awareness, alternate perceptions, and problem solving techniques to address various issues.  Any young person who is struggling with problems as a result of their behavior and need assistance in understanding the impact of their negative choices can be referred. Youth who participate in CYES gain a realization that their futures hold far greater potential than what the immediate issues they are struggling with may suggest.

Individual assistance: 2 to 5 sessions are offered depending on the range of issues.  Youth will have the opportunity to explore the emotional, social, financial, and physical impact of their behaviours and attitudes. Each session is held at the Calgary John Howard Society main office and lasts approximately one and a half hours.
Group assistance: Workshops are facilitated in schools and offer group work to students that have been in conflict with the law or school administration. Young people are grouped according to age: 9-11 year olds, 12-14 year olds, 15-17 year olds.

 

Crime Prevention Investment Plan

“I was able to express my feelings towards the crime I committed. And I was able to talk about all the negatives that happened to me and learn how to resolve them.” 

“ I liked the way we started off with the incident and went over what could happen to me if I didn’t change my behaviors.”

“ I liked talking about my feelings and understanding the causes and roots of the crime I committed.”

Any young person who is struggling with problem solving and the result of his/her behaviour impacting their ability to achieve personal success at school and in their relationships.

Referrals are accepted from:

Schools
Police and Youth Justice Committees
Child and Family Centres
Probation,
Parents and family members and,
Clients may also self refer.