Project aims to empower at-risk youth
Province provides $1.2 million to implement SNAP program
Edmonton… A $1.2-million grant from the province’s Safe Communities Innovation Fund (SCIF) will enable a partnership group led by the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities to implement an intervention and prevention program targeting at-risk youth.
From Risk to Resiliency: Implementing SNAP for High Risk Boys, is a collaborative effort that will operate at the Kipohtakaw Education Centre in Alexander First Nation and Stony Plain’s Forest Green School, in partnership with the Parkland School Division, the Morinville and Stony Plain RCMP and the Yellowhead Tribal Community.
SNAP stands for the Stop Now and Plan program that targets children with behavioural problems including antisocial behaviour, inadequate impulse control and problem-solving skills.
“This project will help address some of the root causes of the problems these youth experience when they transition from boys to young men to adults,” said Minister of Education Dave Hancock. “The project is another positive step in our commitment to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to complete their elementary and secondary education and successfully participate in post-secondary programs.”
The project will receive funding of $1.2 million over three years.
“This project will provide early and ongoing education for at-risk youth which will, in turn, help build their skills and confidence, and reduce the likelihood of them getting involved with gangs, violence or other crime,” said Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Gene Zwozdesky. He added, “by providing these boys and young men with the skills they need, we hope to help them become contributing members of their communities and society.”
From Risk to Resiliency: Implementing SNAP for High Risk Boys is one of 18 SCIF projects addressing at-risk youth and families and one of seven projects addressing the needs of Aboriginal people.
The $60-million SCIF was announced by Premier Ed Stelmach in November 2008 to strengthen and develop community-based projects and community-police partnership projects. The fund builds on the work of the Safe Communities initiative that over the past year has added more police and Crown prosecutors, introduced anti-gang legislation, and developed a new tracking system for repeat offenders. The next phase of Safe Communities will focus on addressing the root causes of crime such as family violence, addiction and mental illness.
Applications were received from communities across Alberta, and the remaining approved SCIF projects will be announced in the coming weeks. The next application period will be held this fall. For more information on the Safe Communities Innovation Fund please visit http://justice.gov.ab.ca/safe/scif.aspx.
