Youth Outreach Project
Provides intervention for girls and boys aged 13-15 in the Falstaff Jane-Finch neighbourhood of Toronto. These youth have had, or are at risk of having, police contact. They may be involved in activities such as vandalism, aggressive or antisocial behaviour.
Read how the pilot project in Jane and Finch is making a difference.
The program combines social learning and cognitive behavioural perspectives using the SNAP® (Stop Now and Plan) model, which has been adapted for this age group. Interventions are aimed at the youth, his/her family, and teachers and friends. Participants learn to respond positively in the face of adversity, and develop skills that will enable them to take paths that reduce likelihood of future violence and involvement with the law, early school dropout, and teen pregnancy.
The Youth Outreach Project is a neighbourhood community partnership. Child Development Institute offers services in partnership with local agencies in the neighbourhood.
Youth are referred by parents, teachers, social workers, police and others. Services are offered at no cost to participants. (The project is funded in part by a special grant from the United Way.)