Federally-funded crime prevention program helps decrease violence among at-risk children and youth
November 12, 2014 Prince George, British Columbia Public Safety Canada
Today, Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George—Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced $2.4 million in federal funding over five years for the crime prevention project Crime Prevention through the Strengthening of Youth, Families and the Community, which will help children and youth in Prince George, British Columbia.
The project is comprised of three core components: child/youth classes which focus on developing communication, problem solving, and coping skills; classes which teach parents and caregivers effective skills; and family classes which allow the children and parents to practice what they have learned through practical exercises. Strengthening family relationships will help children and youth steer clear of delinquent and criminal behaviour. This project is linked to the City's Crime Reduction Strategy.
Quick Facts
- The City of Prince George will deliver the project in collaboration with the School District #57 and Prince George Native Friendship Centre to 400 children and youth aged six to 14 and their families.
- The Government of Canada has a number of initiatives to help ensure that all Canadians feel safe in their own communities, including ongoing funding to support the National Crime Prevention Strategy.
- Evidence-based models supported by this fund help youth make smart choices through the provision of community-based educational, cultural, sporting and vocational opportunities.
- Since the creation of the Crime Prevention Action Fund in 2008, $178.1 million in funding has been approved for a total of 214 projects in communities across Canada.
Quotes
“Youth crime and violence are serious concerns for many Canadian families, which is why our Government continues to invest in community-based projects that help those who are at risk. Through projects like this one, we are building stronger and safer communities for generations to come.”
- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“The funding announced today by our Government will enable the community of Prince George to take concrete action to deal with local crime. Along with our partners, we are taking steps to provide at-risk children, youth and their families with the tools and opportunities they need to steer clear of crime and live in a safe community.”
- Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince-George – Peace River
“The funding received by the City of Prince George from Public Safety Canada will be utilized to support the implementation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a component of the Mayor's Task Force on Crime. When the Mayor's Task Force on Crime was implemented, we earmarked the need for grassroots work with at-risk youth and families in the city. Having already seen significant results from this task force, we look forward to implementing the next phase and introducing the Strengthening Families Program.”
- Mayor Shari Green, City of Prince George
Associated Links
Contacts
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.
