The Child and Youth Empowerment Strategy is designed to address some of the risk factors that may significantly increase youth crime.    Truancy, poor grades, strained family relationships, poor self perception and peer pressure increase the likelihood of participating in questionable activities. The lack of awareness of a youth’s poor choices may result in increased community issues and serious immediate and long term consequences. The young person may be engaging in activities that put him/her at risk of offending or he/she may already be involved with the Youth criminal justice System.

The goal of CYES is to assist the young person, 9-17 years of age to identify problem solving techniques to address various issues. The young person may participate in workshops, individual sessions or both.
Any young person who needs assistance in understanding the impact of their negative choices can be referred. Program activities also assist the young person with developing a positive awareness and perception of self before their risky behaviors become habitual and long term.

The young person acquires skills in empathy, affirmation, communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and problem solving that can make positive, long lasting changes in their daily lives. Young persons who participate in CYES often say they realize that their futures hold greater potential than the barriers they are struggling with may suggest.

Individual sessions may be offered depending on the range of issues.  The young person will have the opportunity to explore the emotional, social, financial, and physical impact of their behaviours and attitudes. Sessions are generally held at the Calgary John Howard Society main office and lasts approximately one and a half hours. Other locations such as school and or supervised centres can sometimes be arranged.
Parents and/or those significant individuals in the young person’s life may also participate.

Group workshops are generally facilitated in schools, however it is possible to arrange for other community based locations. Program content includes group work, such as role playing, to students that have been or at risk of being in conflict with the law or school administration. Young persons are grouped according to age: 9-11 year olds, 12-14 year olds, and 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.