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
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.
Programs Offered In
Custody Facilities
- Life Skills Program – Educational seminars, guest speakers, and counselling sessions encourage participants to address challenges like substance and alcohol abuse, sexuality and general health issues.
- Educational Program – Participants study a variety of subjects through mandatory on-site or regular community education programs.
- Spiritual Discovery Program – With guidance from a volunteer chaplain and local spiritual leaders from a variety of faiths, participants explore their spiritual issues.
- Work Program – Participants learn responsibility and work management skills through placements as either a kitchen worker or maintenance worker at the facility.
- Reintegration Leave Program – Participants temporarily leave the facility to participate in community services under the supervision of a community member.
- Trades Training – Participants in our Secure Custody Facility explore their potential and develop new skills as they learn construction trades such as welding, dry-walling and basic electricity.
- Sports Program – Athletics help participants develop team building and conflict-management skills while encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
To learn more about Secure Custody,
please contact us at 1-519-634-8883
To learn more about Open Custody,
please contact us at 1-519-741-8881
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. Participants:
- Receive personal mentorship and solutions to housing, education, family issues and employment.
- 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 in their communities, schools and home life.
To learn more about our Youth Integration Program,
please contact us at 1-519-578-8018
Alternative Education Services
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. Participants:
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- 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 case workers 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.
Programs
Transition
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
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 Employment and Education Program. Each student must willingly commit to the program and we ask that their families agree to assist them.
To learn more about Alternative Education Services,
please contact us at 1-519-342-1993