INUVIK - Youth and families who need support can now access a new pilot project in Inuvik aimed at preventing youth crime by helping families take action on issues affecting their children.

Laura Evans, left, and Jimmy Ruttan are the employees of the new Youth and Family Support program, which is aimed at providing help and advice to families to try and reduce the number of youth involved in crime. - Samantha Stokell/NNSL photo

Youth and Family Support has received five years of federal funding under the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Instead of isolating a child from a dangerous or unstable home life, the program offers the tools and information necessary for a family to take action and responsibility for the child, said Laura Evans, family conferencing co-ordinator with the program.

"We want to empower families to take action using a preventative model or for adapting to the situation," said Evans. "Some families are really damaged and aren't strong enough yet, but we hope to work with them over time and make a plan."

The Inuvik Justice Committee applied for the funding. The idea grew out of a series of programs in New Zealand where Maori, the indigenous people of that country, families reverted to their traditional way of dealing with problems: surround that person with family and friends, instead of isolating them in government services.

The Inuvik RCMP detachment thinks this preventative program will have positive results.

"The justice system almost always focuses on crimes that have happened instead of the issues affecting youth to prevent crime," said Cpl. Sean Doornbos. "After growing up in homes with substance and alcohol abuse or impoverished homes, this will allow kids to see an alternative and lead them to a healthy life."

Families can self-refer themselves to the program, or can be offered a referral from other organizations or services such as schools, social services or the RCMP. Once referred, Evans will clarify the situation so she knows exactly what the family's issues are and can assign specific services that might help.

She will then give all the research to the family, make a plan with them and ensure they're strong enough to have a conference among themselves to find a solution for the youth to lead a successful life.

"I will find out what each family has to offer and get the family together to identify their strengths," Evans said. "Our job is to make sure they have information, whether it's schools, social, or elders, that whatever they need is clearly defined."

While Evans will provide support for the adults in a family, Jimmy Ruttan has taken on the position of youth outreach co-ordinator. Since he started in January, Ruttan has held four on-the-land camps for youth aged 12 to 14, varying from weekend trips to 10-day adventures. He said removing the youth from town has been a great success.

"Not just youth but everyone transforms when they're out on the land. They're away from the stimuli and distractions," Ruttan said. "Youth who have behavioural issues turn into the most respectful little boys. On the land they don't have to impress anyone."

During the camps Ruttan and elders teach the youth about living on the land, but also some of the issues they deal with.

"I was speaking with one youth and she said she would just love someone to talk to," Ruttan said. "We can work on day-to-day issues, like time management, communication, attendance, substance abuse."

Evans and Ruttan have just settled in to their office and invite anyone with questions to drop by for a cup of coffee. They're located in the Interagency Committee trailer behind the Our Lady of Victory Church.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.