A new family skills training program aimed at vulnerable youth and crime prevention was handed almost $2.5 million in federal funding Wednesday.
"Having a program like this that really targets youth at risk, specifically kids as young as six, I think can be a game-changer for those kids lives," said Mayor Shari Green at the city hall morning announcement.
The five years of funding comes out of the Crime Prevention Action Fund and aims to increase parental involvement and targets children aged six to 14.
"It's critical because that is where a lot of hearts and minds are shaped and if we can steer them away from some of the wrong choices that will harm them and harm the community down the road," Green said.
The Strengthening Families Program, Green said, is an important component of crime prevention because "reducing problem behaviors, delinquency and alcohol and drug abuse in youth, improving social competencies and school performance are key to ensuring these kids do not end up in a life of crime."
Kristi Francis oversees the program, which has been running the past four weeks in three locations - Harwin, Van Bien and Westwood elementary schools - and is headed for the Prince George Native Friendship Centre at the end of the month.
"We have a lot of families who are living in significant poverty that I think our community just isn't completely aware of," she said.
So far she said it's going great, noting the participants' willingness to join is encouraging.
"I think that speaks to their resilience and courage. You're putting yourself in a vulnerable place," said Francis, adding the commitment is significant: every week for a total of 14 sessions. Each school should see between eight to 10 families for a maximum of 12 kids per session.
The sessions will focus on three areas: youth classes the delve into communication, problem solving and coping skills; parent and caregiver classes; and family classes that allow the child and parents to learn together through practical exercises.
It was designed with accessibility in mind, covering the cost of nutritious meals, transportation and child care for the one day a week that the families have their skills session.
"We just trying to take away all those barriers to these families - and those are huge barriers," Francis said.
The city started identifying ways to help improve youth outcomes back in 2009, said the city's social development coordinator Sarah Brown.
A survey of students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 was the basis for an evidence-based approach that borrowed from existing strengthening families programs in other communities, but had a profile specific to Prince George.
"That gave us a really great picture of the strengths of youth as well as where there were some areas we could work on," said Brown, adding that schools were regarded as a positive space. "One of the risk factors that youth identified for themselves was a low family attachment."
The University of Northern British Columbia will also partner on the project by helping to monitor the families involved and ensure the program is reaching the right audience.
Prince George-Peace River MP Bob Zimmer announced the funding.
"One of our key priorities is keeping our streets and communities safe," Zimmer said. "Specifically this project is designed to strengthen family relationships that help children and youth steer clear of delinquent and criminal behaviour. We think prevention is key."
