Niagara Youth Court Screening Initiative (NYSCI)
YRN has been working in collaboration with the greater Niagara Community since 2011 to support the implementation of a dedicated Youth Court and the Niagara Youth Court Screening Initiative (NYCSI) and continue to be active members of the team.
The specific focus on screening and pathways to care in NYCSI is based on research showing that mental health and substance use concerns are disproportionately high among the youth justice population. Screening is a brief process that can be employed by non-clinicians to identify the need for potential supports around basic needs, mental health and/or addiction.
The NYCSI Screening Team represents a single point of contact for community services and supports for youth presenting for their first appearance at the Robert K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines and the Welland Courthouse. Members of the NYCSI Screening Team are physically present in the courthouse to engage youth and their families/guardians and to complete screening for mental health, addiction, and other health and social needs. Based on the outcomes of screening, discussion with youth/families/guardians, and consultation with other members of the NYCSI Screening Team, any needed follow-up with youth will occur in order to connect them with appropriate services and supports in the community.
Youth Resources Niagara Gardens
Every year staff and residents work to cultivate our gardens growing fresh produce that is donated to a the Pelham Community Care Food Bank.
Social Enterprise
IT Recycling Project
YRN in partnership with Seniors for Youth Niagara refurbished surplus I.T. Equipment and donated to Niagara families in financial hardship.
Land Remediation Project
YRN in partnership with the Niagara District School Board developed a land remediation project at the DSBN Academy demonstrating the use of phytoremediaiton to remove industrial toxins from brown lands. Project received recognition from Governors General Committee.
Case Management Program
In partnership with Brock University and Niagara College the design of a computerized case management program to develop a data base to empirically define the impact of internal interventions on program youth.