(Formerly Centre 24-7)

Background

For the first time in 18 years, Centre 24-7 did not open in the fall of 2017. Beginning as a pilot program in 1999, Centre 24-7 was a partnership between the Department of Justice and the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. This community-based program dealing with court-sentenced youth and youth at risk was an innovative and unique opportunity to utilize a multi-faceted approach. The program combined academics, experiential adventure-based education, life skills and a family involvement component to address issues.

New direction

After almost 20 years, the time was right to update and re-design Centre 24-7 into Valley Integrated Youth Services. This service brings together probation officers, youth workers, teachers and a career exploration youth worker to assess and develop individual case management plans for youth supervised by Community Corrections from Windsor to Middleton. One of the goals will be to assist youth to remain in school, secure employment, address mental health and addiction through collaboration with IWK and by working with community-based partners to provide other necessary programs and supports on an individual basis.

Services will also be provided to youth serving custodial sentences at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre through involvement in reintegration planning and connection to community organizations. The objective is to provide integrated services to meet the specific individual needs of youth under the supervision of Correctional Services, both in custody and in the community.