BACKGROUND INFORMATION & INTAKE In order to assess how the program can best meet the needs of the child or youth, the worker arranges meetings with the legal guardian, referral service and child or youth. The program is explained in depth. If the parents/guardians believe that the program would benefit the child or youth, information pertinent to the problem is then gathered from all parties. This information is documented and reviewed by the worker in an effort to determine if or how the program can best support the client.
REFERRALS Referrals can be made by parents/ guardians, community agencies or by a youth. The referral source must obtain permission from the parents/guardians to submit a child’s name for referral to the Reach program.
Mission Statement To provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.
If the worker concurs that the program would benefit the child or youth, a goal for involvement is proposed. If the guardian and the youth are in agreement with the proposed service plan, arrangements are made for the client to attend scheduled sessions. The client’s progress is monitored and all involved parties are kept well informed of developments throughout the client’s involvement in the program.
Supported by 107 Lindsay St.S. Lindsay, ON K9V 2M5 (705) 324-4493 www.bgckl.com Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.
REACH YOUTH SUPPORT PROGRAM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
SERVICE DELIVERY
3. Social/Recreational Activities
The Reach Youth Support Program is a Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funded program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes. The objective of the program is to offer support to children and youth of the City of Kawartha Lakes. The service is available to children and youth that are experiencing some sort of problem or stress in their lives. The program is structured and activity oriented. It is confidential and provided to children, youth and their families at no cost.
The program meets clients’ needs through three distinctly different but often related components. All children and youth in the Reach Youth Support Program are involved in at least two components depending on whether their needs are best met through individual or group sessions.
Whether the client participates in individual and/or group supports, the majority of the time is spent in this part of the program. It includes a wide range of activities such as sports, board games, arts and crafts, and card games. From time to time, special projects or events are also part of the program. A wide range of programming helps to maintain client motivation.
The Reach Youth Support Program is designed to be a preventative service. The intention is not therapy but rather a less restrictive intervention. The focus of the program is to aid children and youth in developing skills to deal with day to day life. This is accomplished through the development of strong client/ worker relationships. The Reach Youth Support Program may work with other agencies to offer a different type of service to children and youth presently in therapy or treatment for complex issues.
NOW MORE THAN EVER...
1. Individual Support Sessions All clients take part in individual support sessions. This is a time made available for the worker and the client to develop a relationship. This affords the client the opportunity to discuss issues of concern with the worker. The worker and client are then able to explore and discuss the client’s options on how to best manage problems.
2. Group Support Sessions This component of the program involves group discussions of issues that affect clients’ lives. Examples of topics of discussion include managing peer pressure, conflict resolution, and impulse control. Such discussions are sometimes planned, while at other times can arise in the moment.
The recreational component also provides an opportunity for identification of areas of growth for the participant. The program staff can then teach clients effective methods to cope with problem situations. Also, participation in the Reach Youth Support Program includes free membership to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes. Staff are able to involve clients in any of the Club activities including sports leagues, drama, arts and crafts, technology, summer day camps, before and after school activities and drop-in programs.
HELP THEM MOVE TOWARD THEIR FUTURE