Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 21/00) - They're in trouble with the law, but for teens facing charges, being able to stay in a loving home could be just the positive influence they need.

And it could save the territorial government some money, too.

The GNWT is now seeking families or individuals willing to house youths awaiting court appearances, an alternative to placing them in a remand centre.

The new initiative, which should be in effect by October, is expected to save a huge amount of money.

"If we could get even just one young person from the Beaufort-Delta area involved in this we could probably save about $5,000 on airfare alone," said Bob Cook, young offender co-ordinator for the department of justice.

Money may be a motivator, but he emphasized the main reason for the program is to put youths into a more positive environment.

According to Cook, remand centres -- young offender facilities in Hay River and Fort Smith as well as RCMP cells -- are not too full to house the youth but placing them in homes presents a healthier alternative.

"Remand is quite a severe intrusion," he said. "(Fort Smith and Hay River) are a long way to go when we can have something in their home community that might just be enough to break the cycle.

"I think it's a positive thing because we are trying to hold youth in a manner (that is) as least restrictive as possible and as close to home as possible."

The atmosphere will be similar to that of a foster home, but the rules will be more strict.

Cook said people involved in the program will work for the department under a contract basis. It's hoped that homes can be found in all communities in the Northwest Territories.

Young offenders suitable for these homes are those who are charged with minor crimes, such as property offenses.

"Sometimes they just need something to wake them up," Cook said.

People whose homes will be suitable for dealing with the youths should have qualities similar to those who take in foster children.

"(They should be) someone who can offer them structure and perhaps inclusion into their family unit," he added.

The deadline for proposals is Sept. 1 for the home placement program, which is modelled after similar programs in British Columbia and other provinces.