Strategies for local youth

News — 15 December 2010

With the province starting the framework, the City of Dryden is jumping on board to create a local Child and Youth Strategic Plan.

With the help of Shayne MacKinnon, Chief of Police for the Dryden Police Services; Maureen Sullivan, Patricia Centre for Children and Youth and Andi Kidd, City of Dryden, a planning session was held on Tuesday, December 7 at The Centre to discuss what the needs are in the community, the current programs available and to put out the information to create a formal steering committee.

Representatives from many local agencies were on hand to participate, including the Patricia Centre, the Health Unit, Dryden High School, Hello Leadership, Dryden Regional Health Centre, Dryden Native Friendship Centre, Hoshizaki House, and many more.

The primary goals of the group are to develop a long term Child and Youth Strategy Plan which assists in guiding the decisions of multiple youth-oriented organizations. The plan will promote a healthy, active, engaging lifestyle for youth and reduce barriers created by youth stereotypes and racism. Also to develop a plan which minimizes youth, family and community occurrences of youth suicide, substance abuse and criminal activity.

Some of the recognized challenges involved with this project include funding, territorial and solo thinking by agencies and organizations, disrespect for youth and racist attitudes, communication and maintaining solidarity during and after plan implementation.

The planning process is already underway, with members of the initial meeting signing up to be a part of the steering committee, and the group will now focus on defining terms of reference, finding funding, and selecting a coordinator.

Members of the new group come from diverse fields including youth, parents, education, health, children and youth social services, Aboriginal/Metis, City of Dryden, mental health and addictions, courts, spiritual community, law enforcement and the community at large.

By Ally Dunham

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