Media Advisory

Launch of Youth Advocate Program

(Wednesday, June 11, 2008) - On Thursday, June 12th , Mayor Peter Kelly and Police Chief Frank Beazley will officially launch the Youth Advocate Program, a gang prevention initiative for youth.

The primary goal of the Youth Advocate Program is to prevent youth aged 9 to 14 from engaging in gang-related activities, anti-social and criminal behaviour. Six communities experiencing gang issues will be assigned their own Youth Advocate Worker. Youth Advocate Workers will work with at-risk youth, their families and the community to reduce risk factors that make youth vulnerable to gangs and increase protective factors that support youth in healthy, constructive decision making.

In Spring 2007, HRM submitted a proposal to the National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC) requesting funding for the Youth Advocate Program. In December 2007, the NCPC approved $1.9 million in funding for a period of four years. HRM will match this funding through value in-kind support to the program in the form of office space, equipment, facility use, and staff time.
The launch will serve as an opportunity to introduce the Youth Advocate Workers to the communities they serve and raise awareness regarding the responsibility we all share to create a safe community where youth are empowered and valued.

Program Manager Sharon Martin and a number of Youth Advocate Workers will be available for interviews following the launch.

Date:       Thursday, June 12, 2008

Time:       10:30 a.m.

Location: Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola Street, Halifax

Refreshments will follow.

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For more information, please contact:

Sharon Martin
Program Manager, Youth Advocate Program
490-4567