January 20, 2015 – Westmount, QC – Department of Justice Canada
Today, Justice Minister Peter MacKay announced $221,960 in funding to the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres in Westmount to finance alternative programs for youth offenders, supporting their reintegration into society and strengthening their ability to make better life choices and avoid re-entering the criminal justice system. The funding will help the organization develop a pre-employment and alternative schooling program for young offenders in custody involved in gangs or at high risk of gang involvement.
This project is supported by the Youth Justice Initiative, which encourages 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, thereby promoting a holistic approach to helping youth.
"We are excited about this contribution, which will have a positive and direct impact on the quality of services for our young offenders. These youths will be better equipped to successfully reintegrate their communities. I would like to thank Minister MacKay, who has not only recognized this innovative project developed by Batshaw Centres, but who is also honouring us with his visit. Our youths need support to develop pro-social attitudes and this contribution is a wonderful example."
Lesley Hill
Executive Director, Batshaw Youth and Family Centres
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