VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - Department of Justice Canada

Today, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Peter MacKay announced more than $298,000 in funding to the Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria for its Coastline Employment Project.

The project will help young people involved in the youth justice system who are transitioning out of provincial youth justice programs in Victoria. The project will provide them with an opportunity to gain employment that is meaningful and of interest to them; earn an adequate income; increase their self-confidence and self-esteem; encourage a healthy lifestyle, and connect them with their community.

This project is supported by the Youth Justice Initiative, which promotes a fair and effective youth justice system, responds to emerging youth justice issues, and enables greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system.

Quick Facts

- The Government of Canada supports the rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders through initiatives like the Coastline Employment Project to assist them in becoming productive members of society, while keeping our streets and communities safe.

- The Coastline Employment Project will support young offenders' reintegration into society by helping them gain meaningful work and providing an adequate income and structure to their lives. In turn, this will increase their self-confidence and self-esteem and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

- The pre-employment phase will focus on developing and enhancing job readiness, including resumé preparation and interview skills, and securing certificates such as FoodSafe, First Aid or other requirements for their job choices. Participants will also address workplace communication, conflict resolution, work ethic, punctuality, etc. They will receive assistance in setting up a bank account, acquiring appropriate work clothes and equipment, and ensuring they have a sufficient transportation allowance.

- The youth will continue to be fully supported by the program during a twelve-week internship. The employer will provide workplace experience and invaluable mentorship to the youth.

- Funding of $298,334 is being provided over three years as follows:

• 2015-16: $98,572;
• 2016-17: $99,636; and
• 2017-18: $100,126.

- Funding for this project is provided by the Youth Justice Fund, which supports a broad range of projects for youth involved in the justice system.

Quotes

"Providing youth with the tools they need to grow and help support the prosperity of our communities is a priority for our Government. We are proud to support organizations like the Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria to continue to do innovative work to help young offenders turn their lives around, find meaningful employment, and become productive members of Canadian society. Youth that have been in conflict with the law need help transitioning from criminal and self-destructive behaviour to having self-confidence, strong self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle. This program prepares these youth to acquire and keep meaningful work and to make better lives for themselves and their families."

Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria is grateful to be in receipt of a grant from the Department of Justice to support the Coastline Employment Project. As the sole provider of youth justice services on South Vancouver Island, programs like this are integral to helping vulnerable youth in our community to achieve sustainable positive change. The Coastline Employment Project provides youth in transition the opportunity for three-month internships with supportive employers. Work experience in a field that is meaningful to youth not only a livable income and employment references for the future, but builds capacity, self-confidence and self-esteem. Forging relationships and mentorships through work that youth can be proud of builds community connections and independence while reducing their chances of reoffending."

Dalyce Dixon, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria

"British Columbia is widely recognized as having one of the most progressive and effective systems of youth justice services in the country. Innovative approaches like the Coastline Employment Project will go a long way to help vulnerable youth in B.C. to reintegrate into the community and reach their full potential."

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development of British Columbia

Related Products

- Backgrounder: Youth Justice Fund

Associated Links

- Department of Justice: Youth Justice Fund

- Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria

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Backgrounder

Youth Justice Fund

The Youth Justice Fund was established in the 1990s as part of the Youth Justice Renewal Initiative, and provides grants and contributions funding for projects across Canada. The Youth Justice Fund has a budget of approximately $4.5 million each year.

The Youth Justice Fund has three components:

• The Main Fund supports a broad range of projects relating to youth involved in the justice system. Current funding priorities include youth with mental health issues and/or cognitive impairments. The Main Fund can also provide support to respond to emerging youth justice issues.

• The Drug Treatment component supports drug treatment interventions for youth involved in the justice system who are dealing with drug abuse.

• The Guns, Gangs and Drugs component responds to youth involved in the justice system who are involved in, or vulnerable to, gun-, gang- and drug-related activities.

The Youth Justice Initiative is a multi-faceted approach that includes a legislative framework (the Youth Criminal Justice Act) and programming resources that:

• Encourage a more fair and effective youth justice system;

• Respond to emerging youth justice issues; and

• Enable greater citizen/community participation in the youth justice system by encouraging partnerships and innovations, and developing and sharing information and knowledge about youth justice.

Community organizations, Aboriginal organizations, and individuals are eligible for funding to help develop community-based programming options and partnerships that respond more effectively and in a more meaningful manner to youth in conflict with the law. Funding support is also used to advance changes in provincial/territorial policies and programs that are consistent with the intent of federal policy objectives.

The Youth Justice Fund supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of pilot projects that provide programming and services for youth in conflict with the law. It supports professional development activities, such as training and conferences, for justice professionals and youth service providers. Additionally, it funds research on the youth justice system and related issues.

Projects must target youth who are between the ages of 12 and 17 and currently in conflict with the law, or justice professionals and/or service providers who work with these youth.

To learn more about the Youth Justice Fund, please visit www.canada.justice.gc.ca/youth.