A program aiming to prevent youth from getting involved in criminal activity received $2 million from the federal government.
The Early Intervention Project is modeled after the Strengthening Families Program and aims to better the relationships between 300 young people and their caregivers over a five-year period.
Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill and Ralph Goodale, minister for public safety and emergency preparedness, announced the program and funding at police headquarters Wednesday.
“We’re looking to the future so that we don’t see any further escalations in crime and unfortunately we are one of the highest crime rates in Canada right now so if we can stem the tide and then start to reduce it we can certainly be successful,” Weighill said.
The program’s classes will focus on communication, problem solving and coping skills.
There will be separate classes for the caregiver and the youth, and a joined class for both parties to practice what they’ve learned.
The classes are designed for youth having issues with crime, attending school or family issues.
Social services, teachers and police can recommend the program to young people and their families, or they can sign up on their own.
The Saskatoon Tribal Council and Metis Nation Saskatchewan, Saskatoon police, City of Saskatoon and the provincial government are working together on the project.
The first Early Intervention Project session is scheduled for September.
---with files from Angelina Irinici
