YMCA of Northern Alberta Youth Diversion
Program snapshot
Age group: Adolescence (12-17)
Gender: Mixed (male and female)
Population served: Aboriginal/Indigenous; Gang-involved (and/or at risk); Individuals suffering from FASD; Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2); Newcomers, immigrants and/or refugees; Persons with disabilities; Visible minority/ethnic group; Youth in contact with law enforcement (and/or at risk)
Topic: Aggressive/violent behaviours; Antisocial/deviant behaviours; Crime issues involving a mental health disorder or other health disorder; Gang and/or related criminal activities; Recidivism; Social development
Setting: Urban area; Community-based setting
Location: Alberta
Number of completed Canadian outcome evaluation studies: Information not provided
Continuum of intervention: Secondary crime prevention; Tertiary crime prevention
Brief Description
YMCA of Northern Alberta Youth Diversion addresses a critical service gap by providing a restorative justice alternative for at-risk youth aged 12-17 involved in low-level criminal activity. Through the program, youth can identify areas in their life that may require more support, request guidance, or seek out an opportunity to better themselves.
Goals
The main goals of the YMCA of Northern Alberta Youth Diversion are:
• Divert youth from the criminal justice system
• Connect youth and their families to essential resources
• Support youth through a restorative approach to repair harm, build accountability, and envision a constructive future
Clientele
YMCA of Northern Alberta Youth Diversion serves youth (12-17) involved with low-level criminal activity in the Edmonton area.
Core Components
The YMCA of Northern Alberta Youth Diversion is delivered in partnership with the Edmonton Police Service and Boys and Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters. Youth are referred to the program as an alternative to criminal charges or disciplinary action. Upon referral, program staff engage with the youth, their family, and natural supports to assess eligibility and identify underlying barriers and harm caused. Together they craft a plan to repair harm, build accountability, and connect youth with community supports.
Implementation Information
Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:
- Organizational requirements: Limited information on this topic.
- Partnerships: BGCBigs of Edmonton & Area, Edmonton Police Service, Kickstand Integrated Youth Services, Community Agencies
- Training and technical assistance: Limited information on this topic.
- Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
- Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.
International Endorsements
The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:
- Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
- Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
- SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
- Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.
Gathering Canadian Knowledge
Canadian Implementation Sites
YMCA of Northern Alberta Youth Diversion is operated by YMCA of Northern Alberta in partnership with Edmonton Police Service and BGC Big Brothers Big Sister’s of Edmonton & Area.
Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies
No information available.
Cost Information
No information available.
References
There is no Canadian reference available at this time.
For more information on this program, contact:
Website:
https://ymcanab.ca/programs/learning-leadership-employment/youth-young-adults
Michael Peters, General Manager, Community
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