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Government of Canada supports youth through community-based substance abuse prevention program


New Brunswick-based Partners for Youth Inc. substance abuse intervention and prevention pilot project

FREDERICTON, May 23, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to providing support for youth that have been in conflict with the law and who struggle with substance abuse issues.

Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced that Partners for Youth Inc. would receive $280,800 through the federal Youth Justice Fund to develop a substance abuse treatment program for youth who are leaving open and closed custody in New Brunswick.

The Youth Justice Fund provides grants and contributions to projects that encourage a more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging youth justice issues and enable greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system.

This pilot project will encourage participants to gain hands-on learning focused on treatment, continued support and intervention related to substance abuse issues. Partners for Youth Inc. will involve youth in the development of a program that is responsive to their cultural needs and sensitive to the trauma that they have endured, while using community supports and services. A key part of this program and its supports will be the mentorship that will be available to all participants.  

Over the duration of this three-year project, participants between the ages of 12 and 17 will be supported in their safe transition back into their communities and in maintaining a new substance-free lifestyle.

Quotes
"There is no greater investment that we as a society can make than in the futures of our youth. By providing opportunities to those who participate in this program, we help them re-build and transition safely and successfully back into our communities. As part of the larger transformation of the criminal justice system, the government will look at how to improve treatment for offenders with mental illness or addictions issues and how to address gaps in services to these vulnerable groups."
Jody Wilson-Raybould
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"By supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our society, we improve our community and invest in our collective well-being. The work that Partners for Youth is doing will empower these young people to take back control of their lives and rebuild their futures."
Matt DeCourcey
Member of Parliament for Fredericton

"Partners for Youth Inc. is looking forward to engaging youth in contact with the criminal justice system across New Brunswick in the design and development of a community based substance abuse treatment program. The value of engaging and empowering youth in this project is significant and will lead to a successful and meaningful intervention program.  We are also thankful for the funding from the Youth Justice Fund in order to help meet the challenges faced by youth at risk in New Brunswick."   
John Sharpe
CEO, Partners for Youth Inc.

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