Government of Canada supports innovative Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Pilot Project to support youth resiliency
News release
March 4, 2019 - Edmonton, Alberta - Department of Justice Canada
Across the country, governments, police, lawyers, judges and community groups are working in close partnership with communities and families to prevent youth crime and to ensure a fair and effective youth justice system. The Government of Canada is proud to support the innovative work done by its partners to help youth who have been in conflict with the law.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada joined Ashley Tedham, Executive Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award’s Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut Division to announce funding to support a pilot project that promotes intervention and reintegration opportunities for youth involved in the justice system in Calgary, Edmonton, and Yellowknife. A feasibility study to assess the possible implementation of the programming curriculum in Nunavut is also being conducted as part of the project’s scope. Close to $850,000 will be provided for the Youth Resiliency Project over the course of 4 years.
Drawing from the framework of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the Youth Resiliency Project focuses on personal empowerment through community service, physical recreation, skill development and outdoor exploration. Working with the Province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, the Youth Resiliency Project delivers programs to youth to help them develop deeper relationships with their communities and their families, and reduce the likelihood of re-offending or participating in gang related activities following their return to the community.
Quotes
“Our Government is proud to work with agencies which support youth in order to reduce recidivism in the criminal justice system. We support initiatives that improve the way youth in conflict with the law navigate their time in the youth justice system and emerge better individually and with better hope for their integration in society. Our investment in youth, through this program, and our work with reforming Canada’s criminal justice system is really an investment in ourselves and Canada’s future.”
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
"Helping young people see and believe that a different life is in fact possible is transformational. Funding from the Department of Justice Canada provides us the opportunity to collaborate with community organizations and the justice system to provide wraparound intervention and rehabilitation supports to criminally involved youth. While each Award journey is different, ultimately this project provides youth the chance to explore their own - sometimes hidden - skills, talents, interests and passions.”
Ashley Tedham, Executive Director
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Canada
Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut Division
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Quick facts
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The youth justice system affects individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 who get into trouble with the law.
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The Department of Justice Canada’s Youth Justice Fund is providing $849,968 over four years for the Youth Resiliency Project run by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Alberta Division.
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Founded in 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a self-development leadership program available globally to all young people, regardless of background, circumstances or abilities, between the ages of 14-24.
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In its first year, the Youth Resiliency Project had over 85 participants and 16 young people received a Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
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Research has shown young offenders’ participation in the Award results in a positive shift in attitudes towards reoffending, higher levels of victim empathy and a heightened awareness of the importance of community involvement and volunteering.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Célia Canon
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Justice
celia.canon@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957-4207
media@justice.gc.ca
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