Youth Justice

Responsibility, self-care, and self-confidence. These are just some of the lessons young people learn in our custody, youth reintegration, and alternative education programs. With support from Ray of Hope staff, their parents or guardians and community professionals, young offenders and youth at risk have a chance to redirect their lives.

Learn More About

Custody Programs
Youth Reintegration Program
Alternative Education Services

Secure Custody, For Ages 12 to 17

Our Secure Custody facility offers a safe place for young people who have committed serious crimes to complete their court-appointed sentences.

Participants:

• Develop life skills and alternative strategies to cope with conflict through our on-site school, sports, trades and chaplaincy programs.
• Receive an individualized Plan of Care designed to assist them overcome personal, social, and spiritual challenges.
• Work together with their families and case workers to redirect their lives.

Open Custody & Detention, For Ages 12 to 17

In our Open Custody facility, youth receive guidance and support as they carry out their court-appointed sentences and re-enter society.

Participants:

• Develop positive relationships that help them better manage their emotions and reactions to everyday challenges.
• Broaden their experiences through programs that focus on life skills, education, spiritual discovery and sports, as well as a work program and trades training.
• Learn to identify areas of risk and work toward positive change in both their personal lives and social relationships.

Youth Reintegration Program

Our Youth Reintegration Program helps young men and women who have served time in a custody facility transition back into the community and start a new chapter of their lives.

Participants:

• Receive personal mentorship, empowering them to find solutions to housing, education, family, and employment issues.
• Receive weekly support, along with their parents or guardians, to enable them to work through challenges at home together.
• Learn the skills they need to make a positive contribution to their communities, schools, and home life.

Alternative Education Services

Education is the cornerstone to a fulfilling, productive life. Too often, vulnerable youth fall out of the traditional education system. In cooperation with the Waterloo Regional District School Board, Ray of Hope offers a non-traditional approach to education for youth struggling through personal challenges, truancy, or criminal activity, letting them pursue their education in a way that works for them.

Participants:

• Study in a calm, inviting atmosphere that allows them to learn at a pace that matches their capabilities.
• Work one-on-one with teachers and community caseworkers to develop an Individual Education Plan.
• Enjoy recreational activities that strengthen their ability to work in a team environment and encourage self-esteem.
• Learn the essential skills and confidence they need to successfully transition back into the mainstream education system.

Alternative Education Programs

Transition Program
Our Transition Program is designed for youth who have served time in a custody facility and are getting ready to transition back into the community. The Transition Program helps youth earn credits toward their high school diploma as well as complete any partial credits which may have been earned during their time in custody.

Truancy Program
Young people facing a charge or breach of truancy face a tough choice – they can either go to jail or attend community school. Ray of Hope provides a positive alternative. Our Truancy Program offers a holistic approach to change, providing youth with education, skills training, and counselling in areas that directly impact their school attendance.

Referral Process

Staff at custody facilities, probation officers and members of the School Board partner with a Ray of Hope Community Care Worker to decide if a student is a good candidate for our Alternative Education Programs. Each student must willingly commit to the program and we ask that their families agree to assist them.

Success Stories

Dave’s Story

“He came out of his shell while with us, gained new life skills, and created a vision for his future.”

~John Murray, Chaplain

Read how Dave turned his life around at Ray of Hope here.