Released on October 30, 2012
The Government of Saskatchewan is joining with a number of community partners in celebrating the success of the 11 and Under Initiative in Regina. The program is a collaborative effort between the Regina Police Service, schools and a number of community-based organizations. The Ministry of Social Services contributed almost $95,000 in funding for the program in the current fiscal year.
"Our government is committed to working with the community to find ways of supporting our most vulnerable citizens," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "The 11 and Under Initiative is an excellent example of the results that can be achieved when we work together to support at risk young people and their families."
The program works by identifying at risk children aged 11 and under, and connecting those children and their families with appropriate support services in the community. Since it was launched one year ago, the program has worked with approximately 120 children and families in the Regina area, in an effort to prevent those children from engaging in unhealthy behaviour, and potentially criminal behaviour later in life.
"From the government's perspective, investing in this program fits with our approach to child welfare," Draude said. "If we can identify and support at risk children early enough, we can prevent them from being referred to Social Services, or entering the criminal justice system. Instead, we can provide them with an opportunity to learn, grow and be successful."
-30-
For more information, contact:
Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca