NEW BRUNSWICK
Province funds network for youth-in-care
Partners for Youth has launched a peer network for youth-in-care thanks to $200,000 from the province,
"This network will provide youth-in-care in New Brunswick with opportunities to meet and learn from other young people who have shared similar experiences," said Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock. "A peer network of kids that have shared experiences, who can give not only advice, but even make people understand they're not alone out there is important."
The network will become a part of the National Youth-In-Care Network, which launched in 1985, to provide support, guidance and a positive influence for youth. "Every dollar we spend when a young person is at risk pays for itself down the road," said Lamrock. "There's no question that some say (the) government spends too much, but I think all of us believe that these are investments and will ultimately save money."
The province is providing $200,000 over five years to develop networks in anglophone and francophone communities, as well as a bilingual provincial network. Youth-in-care networks in Canada are developed and based on the needs of their members, so different networks have different purposes. John Sharpe, general manager of Partners for Youth Inc., said although he's continuously asked what the network is, it's a question he can't answer. "The short answer is, I don't know because the people in charge of the network will be the young people who actually benefit from the network," he said.
Youth-led consultations will be held across the province where youth-in-care can offer suggestions about what services and functions should be available in the network. Lamrock encourages all youth-in-care to participate in the consultations. "Your input will ensure that your ideas are turned into action on issues that are important to you," he said.
Mathieu Cormier, a project co-ordinator for Partners for Youth, said that the network will be a way for society as a whole to tap into the potential and knowledge of young people in New Brunswick. "We really have a lot to learn from our youth, particularly youth-in-care," he said.
There is no set age range for the network because Partners for Youth works with youth who are in foster care or living on their own under the care of the minister. Partners for Youth has been operating as a not-for-profit organization in New Brunswick for 15 years. The organization assists youth to learn, grow and develop positive self-esteem.
Sharpe said he's excited about the possibilities this new initiative presents for youths. "This formal network development will fill a major gap in service for youth from across the province."
Nicole Veerman
23 July 2001
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/cityregion/article/1146777
