Since it's founding in 1997, the CYC-Net discussion group has been asked thousands of questions. These questions often generate many replies from people in all spheres of the Child and Youth Care profession and contain personal experiences, viewpoints, as well as recommended resources.
Below are some of the threads of discussions on varying Child and Youth Care related topics.
Questions and Responses have been reproduced verbatim.
Listen to thisHello,
We are a group of undergraduate students in the school of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria, and we would like to submit a discussion question:
How could a working partnership between Child and Youth Care practitioners and law enforcement address the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth, specifically in Canada? Globally are there partnerships between Child and Youth Care workers and law enforcement where Child and Youth Care plays a significant educational role concerning informing justice practices that are decolonizing? From a Canadian perspective, how can we implement this partnership to support Canada’s TRC – Calls To Action?
Thank you,
Melissa, Danielle, and Kelly
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This is somewhat tangential to the core question but are examples of how police forces can change in relation to adopting a restorative model. So police forces can change and CYC’s can be essential!
I had the pleasure to go on an extended road trip through Nova Scotia and PEI. While out there doing workshops on Restorative Practices I met CYCs from Homebridge. They have worked for over 8 years with the Halifax police to offer their youth in care a ROYC option. Rather than the police charging the Youth they are given the option to engage in a restorative process. This breaks the pipeline to prison structure. This took much work prior to implementation, workshopping the government ministries and the police.
In my role as a Restorative practitioner and trainer I have worked to provide this as an option through courts in the GTA. This has involved working to change attitudes on the part of lawyers and judges. One of my trainees is using the model to engage the police with the local community to have difficult conversations and find joint solutions.
I did some preliminary work with the OPP in Caledon to continue their focus on restorative responses to Youth in the community. This is a 10 year initiative.
A friend of mine has just completed his PH D (Ian Marder) on the institutionalization of Restorative options in two constabularies in the UK.
In Canada there are Gladue courts and reports for Indigenous persons.
So there can be change! The piece to note is that the Restorative approach when done with respect and gratitude builds on indigenous world views, values and practices. Also Restorative practices are quintessentially Child and Youth Care since they are relational at the core.
So the answer is yes! To your question!
Rick Kelly
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I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for but Project Sunset might be something you would be interested in checking out.
Hope you find the link helpful.
Lisa
