Adolescence is a time when many youth become alienated and disconnected from traditional support systems in the family and the community. Youth need to be valued, nurtured and challenged, and they need to have access to supports and opportunities that help build their confidence and self-esteem if they are to reconnect in a positive way.
With the support of community partners, we can engage youth in exciting opportunities, such as attending sporting or cultural events, participating in job-shadowing experiences, or meeting role models in the community. Together we can open up a world of possibilities for a young person who might not otherwise have these opportunities. We can provide youth with a vision for a better future, and motivate them to realize lasting positive change in their lives, and with our help, they can become valued and productive members of the community.
How Youth Development Services Can Help
The youth development services offered as part of ICYS are designed to promote positive development and self-sufficiency among youth. We build on youth interests, connecting them to activities that inspire and motivate change. Our services aim to encourage youth to make better choices so that they can live a healthy and productive life.
The services are flexible and responsive, and address the specific needs of each youth.
Through our youth development services, we help youth feel:
- They are contributing something of value to the community;
- They are connected to others and to the community;
- They have choices about their future; and,
- They have self worth and a positive sense of self.
Youth Development and Monitoring Services
Youth development and monitoring services offered under ICYS include:
- Building youth independence and personal strength through life skills training, employment-ready skills development, and facilitating access to government and community resources;
- Building strength in relationships through parent-teen mediation, conflict resolution and crisis intervention, youth reintegration to the family and connecting youth with mentorship opportunities;
- Youth justice support services to provide court-ordered curfew checks and intensive support and supervision as needed;
- Outreach services for high-risk youth to bring stability to their lives and help them make the transition to a healthier life style;
- Ongoing assessment services to monitor the level of child protection risk to ensure youth health and safety; and,
- Group support services through participation in group sessions to discuss such topics as conflict resolution, alcohol and drug use, social skills, development and cultural pressures.
Interested In Getting Involved in Youth Development?
At St. Leonard’s, we’ve learned that the help of community partners who believe in giving young people a chance to improve their lives can make all the difference. We welcome the participation of community partners who can offer opportunities to engage youth in activities that build on their interests and expose them to new ideas and possibilities. To find out how to get involved, please contact us.