Crime Prevention Projects 2013˗2014

Alberta

Organization: REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities

Project Title: WrapEd

In response to concerns about the escalation of gang related violence and the number of emerging youth gangs in Edmonton, AB, REACH Edmonton, in partnership with YOUCAN, the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, the Edmonton Police Service, the Edmonton John Howard Society and the Africa Centre, is implementing the WrapEd project. WrapEd is based on the Wraparound program – a comprehensive, team-based approach that involves individualized care plans and a variety of formal and informal community services and supports to address specific risk factors and builds on the strengths and resiliency of youth participants and their families.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

WrapEd will reach up to 180 youth, primarily from Aboriginal and refugee communities, between the ages of 12 and 17 in Edmonton, AB who are most at risk of involvement with guns and/or gangs. Key activities of the project will include youth outreach and engagement, youth assessment, systems navigation and advocacy and trauma counselling.

Family supports will also be in place to assist families with issues related to youth, including family counselling, conflict resolution and parent education programs.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results will include a reduction in youth gang crime-related activities, disengagement from gangs and increased cultural and community connection. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities
Suite 901, Baker Centre
10025 – 106 Street
Edmonton, AB  T5J 1G4
Phone: 780-498-1231
Fax: 780-498-1266
Email: info@reachedmonton.ca

Organization: University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work

Project Title: Identity Based Wraparound Intervention (IBWI)

In response to concerns about the escalation of gang related violence, the number of emerging youth gangs and the criminal gang involvement of youth from immigrant families in Calgary, AB, the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work, in close partnership with an immigrant service agency and stakeholders such as the Calgary Police Services, the City of Calgary, school boards and numerous service providers, is implementing the Identity Based Wraparound Intervention (IBWI) project based on the Wraparound approach. The project will address the complex needs of Calgary immigrant youth who are involved or at high risk of becoming involved in gangs.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from November, 2013 – October, 2019 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

IBWI will focus on up to 130 immigrant youth between the ages of 12 and 24 who are at high risk of involvement or are already involved in gangs. Key activities include the development of individualized intervention plans, positive mentorship and recreational opportunities, academic support, employment skills, and family support skills. Central to the approach is the development of coordinated assistance that involves school, community and service partners to support a young person in all aspects of life. Unique to this project are the inclusion of notions of identity formation that will guide the delivery of wraparound services.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results would include a discernible decrease in the number of these youth engaging in gang violence, disengagement from gangs, cultural and community connection and either improved school engagement or employment readiness. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

University of Calgary – Faculty of Social Work
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Phone: 403-220-5942
Fax: 403-282-7269
Email : socialwk@ucalgary.ca

Atlantic - New Brunswick

Organization: Beh-Jip-Po-Nen Wejok-Ked-Wa-Gon Inc., Tobique First Nation

Project Title: Project Hope

In response to the escalation of violence and crime-related problems among youth in Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, the Beh-Jip-Po-Nen Wejok-Ked-Wa-Gon Inc., with the support of key government and non-government partners, is implementing a project based on the Project Venture approach. Based on traditional Aboriginal values such as family, learning from the natural world, spiritual awareness, service to others, and respect, Project Venture's approach is positive and strength-based. It seeks to reduce negative attitudes and behaviour by helping youth develop a positive self-concept, effective social interaction skills, a community service ethic, an internal locus of control, and decision making / problem-solving skills. It has shown success in addressing risk factors for crime among Aboriginal youth.

The pilot project will be implemented from September, 2013 to November, 2017 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Crime Prevention Action Fund.

This project will reach up to 320 boys and girls aged 10 to 16 who are at risk of offending. All the youth will receive 20–25 one-hour in-class sessions and 160 of the 320 youth will be selected for more targeted interventions. The central components of the Project Venture program include classroom-based activities conducted during the school year on weekends after school, summer skill-building experiential and challenge activities, immersion summer adventure camps and wilderness treks, and community-oriented service learning and service leadership projects throughout the year.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results would include a decrease in the number of youth engaging in criminal behaviour, a decrease in substance abuse among Aboriginal youth, increased leadership skills and youth engaged in positive projects. Performance assessment of the project will yield lessons learned and knowledge on how the Project Venture approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

Beh-Jip-Po-Nen Wejok-Ked-Wa-Gon Inc.
Tobique First Nation, NB  E7H 2Y4
Phone: 506-273-5603
Fax: 506-273-5601

Atlantic - Nova Scotia

Organization: Crime Prevention Unit, Public Safety and Security Division

Project Title: CeaseFire in the HRM – Building a Nova Scotian Approach

In response to the escalation of gang-related violence in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), the Nova Scotia Department of Justice , in partnership with the HRM Public Safety Office, is implementing a youth gang prevention project based on the Ceasefire Chicagoapproach. Ceasefire Chicago will work with the project, making Nova Scotia the site of the first CeaseFire adaptation in Canada.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from October, 2013 to March, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

CeaseFire in the HRM will reach up to 120 youth and young adults at high risk of becoming involved in gun violence and gangs. It will have a specific focus on supporting youth and young adults of African Nova Scotian heritage.

The key components of a CeaseFire approach are direct violence interruption and conflict mediation, outreach offering guidance, support and connections to existing services and public education.

At the end of the pilot project, it is anticipated that results will include a decrease in the number of youth engaging in gun violence and a reduction in other crimes, including physical violence, violent victimization, drug dealing and gang-related activities in general. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Ceasefire approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

Crime Prevention Unit, Public Safety and Security Division
Nova Scotia Department of Justice
PO Box 7, 5151 Terminal Road
Halifax, NS  B3J 2L6
Phone: 902-424-8356
Fax: 902-424-0700
Email: crimepreventionunit@gov.ns.ca

Organization: Halifax Regional Municipality, Community and Recreational Services

Project Title: Souls Strong

In response to concerns about over-representation of young, African-Canadian men in the Nova Scotia criminal justice system and increases in social issues related to youth crime, gang activity, gun use and unemployment among residents of the North Preston area of Halifax, the Halifax Regional Municipality is implementing the Souls Strong youth gang prevention project based on the Wraparoundapproach. Wraparound is a comprehensive, team-based approach that involves individualized care plans and a variety of formal and informal community services and supports to address specific risk factors and builds on the strengths and resiliency of youth participants and their families.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from October, 2013 to March, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

With the participation of community residents, community leaders and service providers, the Souls Strong Project will reach up to 130 young men between the ages of 15 and 20 who are at risk of engaging in gang-related activities, or anti-social and criminal behaviours.

Souls Strong will address local cultural and contextual risk factors that contribute to the disconnect that exists between these young men and their community norms and values. Young men will be identified and referred to the program by community leaders, family members, law enforcement officials, school officials, community service providers, church elders and recreation centre staff.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results will include a decrease in the number of youth engaging in gun violence, as well as a reduction in other violent crimes, including physical violence, violent victimization, drug dealing and gang-related activities. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

Halifax Regional Municipality
Community and Recreational Services
PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS  B3J 3A5
Phone: 902-490-4567
Fax: 902-490-5010
Email: martins@halifax.ca

British Columbia

Organization: Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia

Project Title: Changing Direction in Support of Aboriginal Youth

In response to concerns about increasing Aboriginal youth gang activity throughout BC and particularly in the communities of Nanaimo and Williams Lake, the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia is implementing a youth gang prevention project called Changing Direction in Support of Aboriginal Youth. This project is based on the Wraparoundapproach – a comprehensive, team-based approach that involves individualized care plans and a variety of formal and informal community services and supports to address specific risk factors and builds on the strengths and resiliency of youth participants and their families, in addition to building on the success of the Edmonton-based Pohna Program.

The pilot project will be implemented from August 1, 2013 to July 31, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

The Changing Direction in Support of Aboriginal Youth project will reach up to 200 Aboriginal youth aged 12 to 18 in Nanaimo and Williams Lake who are at high risk of becoming involved in gangs. Key intervention activities include the development of community-based interagency networks and advisory committees in Nanaimo and Williams Lake, assessing youth's individual risk levels, creating wraparound teams for participants and their families, developing and implementing individual and family intervention plans, and developing and delivering group-based activities, such as recreational activities, parenting workshops and cultural events.

At the end of the pilot project, it is anticipated that measurable outcomes will include reduced youth gang crime-related activities, increased disengagement from gangs, and increased cultural and community connection. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia
207 – 1999 Marine Drive
North Vancouver, BC  V7P 3J3
Phone: 604-985-5355
Toll Free: 1-877-811-1190
Fax: 604-985-8933
Email: nccabc@nccabc.net

Organization: Abbotsford Community Services

Project Title: Abbotsford Comprehensive Community Action for Gang Reduction

In response to concerns about increasing gang activity and youth violence in Abbotsford, BC, Abbotsford Community Services, in partnership with the Abbotsford Police, School District 34 and the John Howard Society, is implementing the Abbotsford Comprehensive Community Action for Gang Reduction project. The project will be based on the Gang Reduction Program (GRP) approach that has shown promising results in other communities. The objectives of the GRP are to prevent young people from participating in gang activity or violent crime and to have gang-involved youth leave the gang lifestyle.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from October, 2013 – September, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

The Abbotsford Comprehensive Community Action for Gang Reduction Project will target 385 youth aged 12 to 24 who are currently involved or are at high risk of becoming involved in gangs and will intervene through prevention, intervention, suppression and re-entry programming.

The combination of services to be provided ranges from low to high intensiveness depending on the situations. Services include recreation, mentoring, parent education, mediation, outreach, support, and case management to leverage services or cover gaps such as counselling for families, school support, employment readiness, skills development, monitoring, integrated suppression, and re-entry support after leaving gangs.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that the measurable results will include a decrease in the number of youth involved in gangs and a reduction in youth gang crime-related activities. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the GRP approach can be adapted for other Canadian communities.

Abbotsford Community Services
2420 Montrose Avenue
Abbotsford, BC  V2S 3S9
Phone: 604-859-7681
Fax: 604-859-6334
Email info@abbotsfordcommunityservices.com

Ontario

Organization: Agincourt Community Services Association (ASCA)

Project Title: Taking Action Against Gangs Scarborough (TAAGS)

In response to increasing youth violence in Scarborough, ON, the Agincourt Community Services Association (ASCA) is implementing a youth gang prevention project based on the Philadelphia Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP) framework. The goal of Taking Action Against Gangs Scarborough (TAAGS) is to reduce serious physical violence, drug dealing, and gang related criminal activities in Scarborough, ON.

The pilot project will be implemented from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

TAAGS focuses on youth aged 12 to 18 who are associated with gangs, trying to leave gangs or at risk of joining a gang. The program expects to reach 160 youth per year.

The key components of TAAGS are to provide participants with 24/7 on-call support, intensive supervision, educational support, referrals to partner agencies for job training and employment opportunities, pro-social activities and therapeutic support. Families and caregivers of the youth will also be involved in the program.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that results will include a reduction in the number of youth participants engaging in gang activity and related offences. Performance assessment of the project will yield lessons learned and knowledge on how the YVRP approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

Agincourt Community Services Association (ASCA)
ACSA Main Office
4155 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 100
Toronto, ON  M1S 1T4
Phone: 416-321-6912
Fax: 416-321-6922
Email: info@agincourtcommunityservices.com

Organization: John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area

Project Title: YARD Hamilton

In response to concerns about increasing violent youth crime and gang activity in Hamilton, ON, the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area, in partnership with the Hamilton Police Services, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board, the City of Hamilton, and various community agencies, is implementing a youth gang prevention project based on the YARD (Youth At Risk Development)approach developed in Calgary, Alberta, and the Comprehensive Gang Model originally from the US.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from August, 2013 – July 2019, and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

The project will reach up to 610 youth in the Hamilton area who are between the ages of 12 and 24 and who are either involved in or at risk of becoming involved in gang activity.

The objectives of the project are to prevent young people from participating in gang activity or violent crime, have gang-involved youth leave the gang lifestyle, and increase collaboration between organizations and community members for the purpose of gang reduction, with the overall goal of reducing youth gang crime and violence in Hamilton.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that the measurable results will include a decrease in the number of youth involved in gangs and a reduction in youth gang crime-related activities. An evaluation of the project will yield information and knowledge about results achieved and knowledge on how the YARD and Comprehensive Gang Model approaches can be adapted for other Canadian communities.

John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area
654 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON  L8L 3A2
Phone: 905-522-4446, ext. 292
Fax: 905-524-2223
Email: dstam@jhshamilton.on.ca

Prairies - Manitoba

Organization: West Region Child and Family Services

Project Title:Oshkiiwaadizag Mino Niigaaniiwad – Youth Leading in a Good Way

In response to the increasing presence of gangs and related crime, the West Region Child and Family Services (WRCFS), Manitoba, in partnership with the First Nations Inuit Health Branch and local schools and community groups, are implementing the Oshkiiwaadizag Mino Niigaaniiwad – Youth Leading in a Good Way project for youth in-care. The project will take place in nine First Nation Communities (Pine Creek, Skownan, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi, Tootinaowaziibeeng, Ebb and Flow, Keeseekoowenin, Rolling River, Waywayseecappo, and Gambler) as well as in Dauphin, Brandon, and Winnipeg. Oshkiiwaadizag Mino Niigaaniiwad – Youth Leading in a Good Way is based on the Wraparoundapproach – a comprehensive, team-based approach that involves individualized care plans and a variety of formal and informal community services and supports to address specific risk factors and builds on the strengths and resiliency of youth participants and their families.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from September 2013 – March 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

Each year, the project will reach up to 60 Aboriginal youth in-care who are between 13 and 21 years old and either involved or at highest risk of becoming involved in gangs. The project will develop individual intervention plans and intervene through activities such as positive mentorship and recreational opportunities, academic support, employment skills, and family support skills. Central to the approach is the development of coordinated assistance that involves school, community and service partners to support a young person in all aspects of his or her life.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results would include a reduction in the number of youth engaging in gang activity and related criminal activities. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge gained on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for Canadian communities.

West Region Child and Family Services
PO Box 280
Erickson, MB  R0J 0P0
Phone: 204-636-6100
Fax: 204-636-6158
Email: stella.bone@wrcfs.org

Prairies – Saskatchewan

No projects to report.

Québec

Organization: La Maison des jeunes par la Grand'Porte

Project Title: Solutions de rechange et acquisition de compétences pour les 12–24 ans, Montréal, Québec

In response to concerns about youth violence and gang activity in the Saint-Michel community of Montreal, Quebec, La Maison des jeunes par la Grand'Porte, in partnership with the local high school, police services, health and social services office and local organizations, is implementing the Solutions de rechange et acquisition de compétences pour les 12–24 ans project based on the Wraparoundapproach. Wraparound is a comprehensive, team-based approach that involves individualized care plans and a variety of formal and informal community services and supports to address specific risk factors and build on the strengths and resiliency of youth participants and their families.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from September, 2013 to August, 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

The project will reach up to 225 youth, ages 12 to 24, most at risk of involvement with gangs and will intervene through promoting educational achievement, developing employment skills, making available addiction and other counselling supports, and providing a constructive environment with which to counter the lure of a criminal lifestyle.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results would include a decrease in the number of these youth engaging in gun violence, as well as a reduction in other violent crimes, including physical violence, violent victimization, drug dealing and gang-related activities. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for other Canadian communities.

La Maison des jeunes par la Grand'Porte
8649, 24e Avenue bureau 7
Montreal, QC  H2I IM1
Phone: 514-721-1747
Fax: 514-721-6461
Email: coordinationsoracom@yahoo.com

Organization: Boys and Girls Club of LaSalle

Project Title: LaSalle, My Neighbourhood, My Gang, My Choice

In response to concerns about youth violence and gang activity in LaSalle, the Boys and Girls Club of LaSalle, in partnership with local schools, police services and community organizations, is implementing the LaSalle, My Neighbourhood, My Gang, My Choice prevention project. It is based on the Wraparoundapproach – a comprehensive, team-based approach that involves individualized care plans and a variety of formal and informal community services and supports to address specific risk factors and build on the strengths and resiliency of youth participants and their families.

The pilot project will be implemented and evaluated from October 2013 to October 2018 and is supported by Public Safety Canada through the National Crime Prevention Centre's Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF).

The project will reach up to 225 youth, boys and girls, aged 12 to 24, most at risk of involvement with gangs and will intervene through key activities such as the development of educational and employment skills, addiction and other counselling support, and by providing a constructive environment with which to counter the lure of a criminal lifestyle.

At the end of the five-year period, it is anticipated that measurable results will include a decrease in the number of youth engaging in violence, as well as a reduction in other violent crimes, including physical violence, violent victimization, drug dealing and gang-related activities. An evaluation of the project will yield information about results achieved and knowledge on how the Wraparound approach can be adapted for other Canadian communities.

Boys and Girls Club of LaSalle
Montreal, QC  H8N 2P5
Phone: 514-364-4661
Fax: 514-364-3907
Email: info@bgclasalle.com

Date modified:

2015-12-22