Child and Youth Project Update

In 2007, The Excel Society began new Child and Youth Project. It was identified that the Children Services Specialized Contract Placement program could possibly be an area of growth for our agency. The concept of the Specialized Contract Placement Program is to address the needs of some of the more challenging youth in care who do not fit into traditional forms or residential settings. This program provides funding to staff a residence one-to-one 24 hours a day; with the long term goal of transition into one of our PDD funded programs.

Our first Specialized Contract Placement intake was completed in August 2007. There have been significant new challenges in starting up this program. We generated a very competent staffing team with the assistance of Human Resources. The team has been working diligently to help the youth feel comfortable and adjust to his new surroundings. He has already shown some great strides in his new placement. He has transitioned from The Choice for Change school program, which is primarily a program for kids with high behavioural needs, into L.Y. Cairns school program which focuses more on academics.

With every new program comes review and changes to policy, procedures, and operational manuals to ensure they are consistent with the relevant legislation and legal requirements of service delivery. Familiarization with the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and licensing of the home were foremost in receiving certification.

Continuing education in such areas as the youth judicial system, drug dependencies, and even teenage pregnancy prepares us to support the diverse needs of youth in this program, as well as two youth in the Supportive Independent Living Program.