Youth in Transition

Brief Description

The Youth in Transition program is a strength-based life skill development program designed for at-risk youth aged 12-24, including those in the justice system. Its goal is to build protective factors that reduce criminal behavior by increasing social skills, wellness, and transitions to adulthood. The program will promote self-esteem, resilience, and community connections by focusing on strengths rather than just preventing risky behaviours. The program uses an inclusive program design that is accessible and relevant to all youth in rural Alberta, regardless of their background. This includes providing transportation options for youth in remote areas and incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and practices.

Goals

The main goals of the Youth in Transition program are:

•       Building protective factors that reduce criminal behaviour by increasing social skills, wellness, and transitions to adulthood.

•       Promoting self-esteem, resilience, and community connections.

•       Support youth in making connections to their communities and supports.

Clientele

The Youth in Transition program serves at-risk youth (12-17) in the Sylvan Lake area.

Core Components

The program will use a "Social Prescribing" referral model where a "Link Worker" will work with clients to identify strengths and needs and find appropriate supports or services that will enhance those strengths and build connections. The Link Worker may also provide those programs if there is no local program or service available. For example, they may provide employability workshops such as resume writing, and interview skills if there are no local employment services available. The Link Worker would be able to provide supportive referrals to clients and provide programs.

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: Municipal Enforcement – Community Safety and Wellness Officer, RCMP< Victim Services, Chinooks Edge & Wolf Creek School Division, Alberta Health Services and Recovery Alberta, BEST Youth Justice Committee, Red Deer County, Sylvan Lake Community Hub, FCSS offices in rural communities
• 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

Youth in Transition is delivered by the Town of Sylvan Lake and serves the following communities: Sylvan Lake & Summer Villages, Eckville, Benalto, Bowden, Innisfail, Delburne, Elnora, and Penhold.

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:

Contact:

Krista Carlso, Youth Services Supervisor

kcarlson@sylvanlake.ca