MUNICIPALITY OF HALTON REGIONAL COUNCIL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES - - PDF document
BACKGROUNDER FOR REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF HALTON REGIONAL COUNCIL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 13, 2009 TRANSITIONS FOR YOUTH -providing supports for vulnerable, at-risk children, youth and their families in overcoming
BACKGROUNDER FOR REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF HALTON REGIONAL COUNCIL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 13, 2009
TRANSITIONS FOR YOUTH
their families in overcoming social, emotional, behavioural and health challenges through innovative programs in our diverse
community.
Background
Transitions For Youth, began in 1981 and has been servicing the Halton Region for the past 28 years. Our focus is to provide support services which are flexible and are able to meet the diverse needs of at-risk children, youth and their families This is the only organization in the Halton region that provides these types of services for youth and families.
Why Halton can not afford to lose these services?
If Transitions For Youth closes all these families in our community will have no where to turn and so many will fall through the cracks and the problems will get much worse. As we head into a recession the stress level on families is increasing and the need for our services is even greater than ever. The stats for 2007-2008 show that over 4800 children, youth and families were supported through our service.
What can the Health and Social Services committee do?
We are hoping you will raise this at the next council meeting and get Council to pass a resolution calling on the Provincial Government to continue to fund this really important community agency.
Programs:
Over the past 28 years, Transitions For Youth has been the only agency providing services to the Community with respect to vulnerable at-risk youth, who have emotional and behavioural challenges. Some of Transitions For Youth Programs offered as follows has played a major role in the development of our vulnerable at-risk youth.
OPTIONS Program —provides in house support to children and youth ages 7-14,
and their families
Bridging the Gap (BTG) — assists youth, ages 16-24, who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness.
Bridge House (Transitional Housing) - Transitional Housing is for homeless
youth who require assistance in developing life skills and support in addressing mental health issues before they are able to successfully live independently.
Court Service Worker — Assist youth and adult of all Court ordered Community
Service that allows a young person or adult to make reparation to the community for their
documentation and ensure that the appropriate documents are forwarded to Probation. Oversee Extra Judicial Sanctions Program which provides a young person between the ages of 12-15 an alternative to more costly interventions or dispositions.
Halton Youth Justice Committee — The Halton Youth Justice Committee Youth
involves victims and communities in finding ways to help young people who have committed minor offences be accountable for their actions. The target group is youth 12 - 17 years of age.
Residential Programs (MacMillan Youth Centre) - provides licensed beds for
School Programs — Provide support to youth between the ages of 10-18 years who
struggle with emotional and social difficulties that impact their success at school.
Nelson Co-op - The Nelson Co-op Neighbourhood Program is an early intervention
program designed to enhance the developmental assets of children and youth in the Nelson Co-op neighbourhood.
Pulse Youth Centre - Pulse Youth & Family health Centre which is a walk-in clinic
that is accessible to all youth and families.
Volunteer Program - This enhancement allows TFY to augment its services and
expand the range of opportunities available to at-risk children, youth and families.
Number of staff employed: approximately 60 Number of clients served: approximately 4800 in 2007-2008 Funding:
Ministry of Child and Youth Services Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services United Way Region of Halton The Ontario Trillium Foundation Halton Catholic District School Board Halton Public District School Board Town of Milton Community Fund Additional funding through grants and donations
Letters of Support:
Halton Crown Attorney Halton District School Board Ontario Court of Justice (Halton Judges) Thank you for hearing our presentation on these important services. Contact information:
D,MEIVHIERS
'v17-e/ from the
2007-2008 Annual Report
The last twelve months have been exciting for Transitions For Youth (TFY) in many ways - filled with successes and celebrations; along with some challenges. Funding remains a key focus for our leadership team, and there have been some positive developments in this regard. The agency was able to increase our funding for a number of programs, as well as developing funding for two new programs. One of those new programs began two years ago when TFY started an innovative after school and summer camp program in the Nelson Co-operative in Burlington. TFY, along with six community partners, submitted a proposal to the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton to expand this limited program and offer it 5-days a week as well as during the summer. This program has now received 3-year funding, which will mean almost 100 children and youth, and 152 families, will continue to have access to this exciting after school program. The second new program began last year, when TFY was awarded funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General to
Justice Committee will meet with victims, the young people accused of minor, non-violent offences, and their parents/ guardians, to negotiate a meaningful way for the young person to make amends for his or her actions. Over 20 volunteers have been recruited and will complete their training this summer, at which time the program will be fully implemented. TFY was also successful in receiving 3-year funding from the Region of Halton to continue its Bridging the Gap (BTG) program for homeless youth. Funding was enhanced to add an additional staff person to better serve youth in North Halton. Finally, TFY was successful in its proposal submission to the Region of Halton to purchase and operate a Transitional House for homeless youth. The goal of the house is to provide homeless youth with a short to medium term safe housing environment where they can learn the life skills necessary to live
number of similar homes that it will operate across Halton over the next few years. After several challenges in launching the Pulse Youth Health Centre, TFY finally received approval for a more stable financial model based on a proposal to the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN. In February TFY received a 14-month pilot phase grant from the LHIN to open Pulse once again on a more permanent basis. An exciting part of the funding is the creation of a new partnership with the North Hamilton Community Health Centre (CHC). TFY will be able to learn from North Hamilton's 26 years of experience in operating a Community Health Centre. TFY's Volunteer program, initiated with a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation only 2 years ago, is flourishing. This year 131 volunteers provided over 3,600 hours of volunteer energy to TFY programs. This excellent program was recognized by the UPS Foundation this year with a $35,000 grant to enhance volunteer training and recognition. The United Ways of Halton have also been very supportive of TFY's programs by providing TFY with 3-year enhanced funding. The Burlington and Greater Hamilton United Way continued its funding of the Bridging the Gap program and provided first time funding for TFY's Options program. The United Way of Oakville continued its funding of TFY's Options program and provided first time funding for Bridging the Gap. Milton and Halton Hills United Ways both increased their funding for TFY's Options program. The most significant challenge facing TFY is the deficit incurred while trying to keep the Pulse Youth Health Centre program open. The shortfall in funds forced TFY to close the program temporarily in October 2007; fortunately the LHIN funding has enabled the program to be reopened in early 2008. This deficit, along with financial challenges due to a lack of funding increases from the province has made TFY's budget a
funding 1 year out of the past 10 years. The Board is committed to developing a financially sustainable organization. There were multiple actions taken in the past year to deal with the financial challenges including streamlining the management structure, working on a new 5-year Strategic Plan (which will be completed by October 2008), and developing a balanced budget for 2008/2009. TFY is proud of the work we do in our community and the positive impacts we have on the lives of our youth. A mother recently wrote to thank us for the help her son received from
"Since the summer
Mentoring program. It is not often that people show patience and understanding for my son. He seemed to bloom under the group setting. This program is needed for children like my son." The exciting growth in our programs could only have been achieved through the dedication of our volunteers, Board, staff, students, our funders and donors. From both of us, a great Thank You to you all! Gary Semplonius Ellis Katsof Chair Executive Director Gary Semplonius, Chair Linda Cupido David Fidler Greg Pellett Christine Veber Ellis Katsof Executive Director Carol DeSousa Director of Jennifer Kerr, Vice-Chair (resigned) Ted Graham Sekey Vincent Adrian Vogt Helen Cavanagh Director of Service Corporate Services Sarah Patterson
Charitable Registration #:
Susan Hawkins, Secretary/Treasurer Allison Haid Caughey Christopher Hawman Social Worker
10696-3556 RR001
ath
titan.aitioha‘forlijOet
creating brighter futures
TFY launches
its new Logo
TFY launches its new logo. Thanks to the generosity of Jan Kelly Marketing, TFY has been able to redesign its logo. The new look encompasses an icon as well as a more stylized look for the agency logo. The new logo goes along with a new agency brochure, the design work also donated by Jan Kelly Marketing.
LHIN Funds Pulse Youth Health Centre
In January 2008 TFY received a 14-month grant from the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LIEN (Local Health Integration Network) to reopen the Pulse Youth Health Centre as a pilot project The grant was made available as a result of an innovative partnership with the North Hamilton Community Health Centre (North Hamilton CHC). North Hamilton CHC has been providing community health services to the North Hamilton community for over 26 years and has a wealth of experience that they will be sharing with TFY to make PULSE a thriving health centre in Burlington. Juanita Gledhill, Chair of the LH1N said "This innovative collaborative partnership between North Hamilton CHC and TFY has created an exciting opportunity for the LHIN to fund as a pilot project and test out a new emerging model of health care for youth in the region."
UPS builds stronger communities.
This year TFY received a $35,000 grant from the UPS Foundation to enhance TFY's Volunteer Program. The UPS Foundation's grant will assist TFY in further developing its Volunteer Program through volunteer training opportunities, volunteer recognition events, enhanced marketing and increased recruitment "UPS is proud to support the critical role that Transitions for Youth plays in the Halton Community said Marvin Rosenzweig, Vice- President, Program Management. "UPS encourages our employees to become involved in the communities where we live and work, and our focus on volunteerism aligns well with Transitions for Youth's plans to continue developing and expanding its volunteer program." TFY's Volunteer Program provides
time, energy and skills and to make it possible for the youth that we serve to experience a greater variety and number of activities, as well as develop valuable social and life skills. TFY's volunteers significantly enrich the lives
around them.
Celebrating Volunteers
In 2005 the Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded TFY with a 3-year grant to launch its volunteer program. The program has been an arna7ing
community has embraced TFY and become actively involved as volunteers. Volunteers are involved in a range
working with young people in all our programs. Over 130 people volunteered last year providing
make such a tremendous differencep the young people supported by TFY.
Halton Region Supports Services for Homeless Youth
In December 2007 Halton Region approved funding TFY to continue to provide outreach services to homeless and at risk youth through the award winning Bridging the Gap (BTG)
worker will focus efforts in North Halton to serve a greater number of youth in need. Since March 2001 Transitions for Youth has helped
were at risk of homelessness. This funding will allow TFY to continue this valuable service. Halton Region also approved funding for TFY to develop Halton's first transitional housing project for homeless youth through the purchase
time for 6 to 24 months, depending on the needs of the individual. Supports will enable the youth to pursue educational and employment goals, and to eventually move to independent affordable living in the community. We often receive letters from volunteers thanking us for the opportunity to help young people. Here is what one volunteer had to say: "I have volunteered for close to a year now. I'm asked by my family and friends if! like volunteering and if I'm going to continue? The answer to both questions is
what the program has done for these kids." And the kids love the volunteers too." All of the thank you cards on the cover of this Annual Report were designed by young people in our programs as a way of saying thank you to our volunteers and the community. 99
United Way Funds Nelson Co-op Program
In March 2008 the Burlington and Greater Hamilton United Way provided TFY with a 3-year grant, through the Building Vibrant Neighbourhoods program, to continue operating The Nelson Co-op Neighbourhood Program. The Nelson Co-op Neighbourhood Program is an exciting early intervention program designed to enhance the developmental assets of children and youth in the Nelson Co-op neighbourhood. After school programs include the Hcmework Club, Friendship Club, Girls Club, Boys Club, tutoring with community volunteers, recreational activities, Parent Group using speakers from community agencies, seasonal gathering in December, Family Fun Day, Spring BBQ, March Break/End of school events, and Field Trips. Summer programming will include a variety of recreational activities. The program is operated in partnership, through a Steering Committee, with Nelson Co-op, Burlington Parks & Recreation, Halton Regional Police Services, Halton Community Housing Corporation, Our Kids Network, and Halton Region Children's Services.
Service Statistics
(April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008)
. .
Program Client Group Total School Programs Section 23 Classrooms Youth 33 Yoda 72 School Sub-Total 105 Court Programs Community Service Orders Youth 138 Adults 374 CSO Sub-Total 512 Court Intake Youth 508 Adults 1949 Court Intake Sub-Total 2457 Extra Judicial Sanctions Youth 20 Court Sub-Total 2989 Community Programs Options Children 97 Recreation Mentor-Milton Children 30 Options Sub-Total 127 Bridging the Gap Full Service Clients 128 Information, Referral & Support 170 BTG Sub-Total 298 Pulse Youth Health Centre Clients 788 Pulse Sub-Total 788 Nelson Co-Op Children Nelson Sub-Total 65 Community Total 1278 Subtotal 4372 Residential - Sub-Total Youth 377
TOTAL
4749 Youth in Residence # Bed Days MacMillan Open Detention 224 1334 MacMillan Open Custody
5
63 MacMillan CAS 90 1855 MacMillan Connection Halton 2 39 Phoenix Open Detention 27 473 Phoenix Open Custody 29 1610 TOTAL 377 5374
Distribution of Non-Residential Clients*
Outside Halton
24%
Total Number of Volunteer Hours 3,650 70% of those inquiring about volunteer opportunities are placed with the agency. Residential Programs 24% Community Programs 26% Halton Youth Justice Committee 27%
Volunteer Placement
Court Programs 10% Fundraising 29% Admisis-tration & Governance 24%
Here's what our volunteers say:
Traitsitions fir Y outhis dputimicivam.
fry bpyiter futures initite, llec cftke,
young people. we, senre4
_
Volunteers (April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008) Number of Volunteers
131
"I want to let kids know that there are other options
Halton Hills
10%
Burlington
31%
that they can choose from." "I love working with children and youth and if! can
Milton
13%
make their lives happier that's great."
Oakville
"Being a positive role model is important."
22%
"It gives me satisfaction to encourage and coach
* Does not include Pulse.
youth to discover and live their personal best."
siike
United Ways of Burlington & Greater Hamilton, Oakville, Milton & Halton Hills THE ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION LA FONDATION TRILLIUM DE L,ONTARIO Town :if M i lton
Community Fund
Ontario
,44. Halton
Government Gouvernernent
:41
Rotary Clubs of Burlington Lakeshore
ASPURF
paRapise
JANKELLEY MARKETING
Transitions for Youth isgrat-gr,aftr tit& ktu y fraden, doctors. aid Town*
caw Aare, contribatd to oar orgaktii7Atiokt, Y ou; saffort kelps. u,s- coPttikae,
create, britte,r futaru frr yoaktg peop4 Haltom.
While it is not possible t-o list - envy contributor te cure. thankful
ftr auk a,fra every doctatioN) grott aid spotsordtie Y ou, support wakes- a real dffirePw& to oar agett9/ aia tit& you/4g people/1,m kelp
Funders
Community Sponsors & Donors
Adrian and Mary Coote Family Trust Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. Hub Group, Inc Inter Church Council of Burlington Jim & Chris Snock Knox Presbyterian Church Lions Club of Milton Macquarie Bank Foundation Mandarin Restaurant Mary-Ella Leggat Mavis Pieczonka May Court Club of Oakville O'Neill Inc. Patrons of Jake's Grill & Oyster House Region of Halton Chair's Golf Classic Region of Halton, Community & Social Services Department Region of Halton, Community health Services Division Rotary Club of Lakeshore Burlington Royal Bank Financial Group Scotia Bank, Dundas Branch The Klemp & Dawson Families Tansley United Church Ted & Sandra Staikoulas The Charles Johnson Charitable Fund The TDL Group Corp
Halton Youth Justice Committee Launched
In July 2007 TFY received funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General to establish the Halton Youth Justice Committee (YJC). This program provides an alternative to formal court proceedings for young people who have committed certain
the courts or from the police. The YJC includes the following partners: Ministry
Community Safety and Correctional Services; Halton Regional Police Service; Legal Aid Ontario; Transitions for Youth and Community Volunteers from Halton. Halton's YJC involves 26 trained community volunteers who meet with victims, accused young people and their parents, to negotiate a way for all participants and communities to deal with offences committed by young
Committee determines the sanctions to be performed by the young person. These may include an apology, personal service for the victim, restitution, writing an essay, donation to a charity, attendance at workshops, etc. If the young person completes the sanctions the charges will be withdrawn in court by the Crown Attorney or the police wit not lay charges.
4 o
tortaitioyout4
creating brightbr future
905.632.6531 1.888.389.5535 vvvvw.tfyhalton.ca 3365 Harvester Road Burlington, ON L7N 3N2 •
Trafisi,tiom ftr su,p-Nrts- v-uhtexabl&, at-dsk chadirm, you.,dr, a/4S th,the fam,d4e,c i44/ otivecomimg soda%
axotiottai, bah-taw-I-ow-41Z a,frtat Iteatt-k &a/iv/ties through ti,v,tiotrati v e programs otvi div-ex.m co Help Transitions for Youth continue
to create brighter futures!
Transitions for Youth (Ontario)
Financial Statements
For the year ended March 31, 2007 Contents Page Auditors' Report Financial Statements Balance Sheet Statement of Changes in Net Assets Statement of Operations Schedule of Expenditures Statement of Cash Flows Notes to Financial Statements
6
1
2
3
4
5
giliglitTAINIM,S00094449:42,114.37.VoltritOirolviomffeRioasw........
Transitions for Youth (Ontario) Statement of Operations Year Ended March 31, 2007
Non- Total Total Program Program 2007 2006 Operations Operations Revenue Provincial government purchase of services $
$ 2,624,271
$ 2,515,825 Federal government purchase of services 168,439 168,439 189,055 Children's Aid Society 271,312 271,312 205,110
CIVLEI.C. grant 4,711 4,711 4,713 Halton District School Board 266,799 266,799 502,562 Halton Region 44,819 44,819 United Way 90,240 90,240 71,204 Fundraising income 59,104 59,104 40,510 Rental income
32,862 25,307 Interest income 11,034 11,034 15,556 Contributions related to capital assets 148,545 148,545 138,236 Internal funding special staff 7,935 7,935 7,831 Foundation fundraising 151,303 151,303 84,992 Miscellaneous 621 621 4,676 Doctor's fees 14,760 14,760 70,138 3,826,617 3,896,755 3,805,577 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Transitions for Youth (Ontario) Schedule of Expenditures Year Ended March 31, 2007
Non- Total Total Program Program 2007 2006 Operations Operations Annual meeting $ 8,884 $ 8,884 $ 12,855 Bank charges and interest 7,591 7,591 7,131 Care of buildings and grounds 47,661 47,661 76,408 Clothing and personal needs 8,186 8,186 7,445 Communications 55,239 55,239 46,372 Computer equipment and maintenance 57,645 57,645 86,725 Consulting 8,509 Contract services 13,392 13,392 11,977 Food 57,945 57,945 49,621 Fundraising 13,070 13,070 8,388 Furniture and equipment 14,736 14,736 25,065 Insurance 57,824 57,824 58,290 Medical and dental 5,337 5,337 5,310 Mileage 54,855 54,855 45,489 Miscellaneous 56 Mortgage interest 5,571 5,571 7,310 Postage 7,625 7,625 4,640 Professional development 23,289 23,289 21,626 Professional fees 145,129 145,129 48,947 Public relations volunteers 21,710 21,710 11,993 Realty taxes (recoveries) (17,389) Recreation and craft supplies 36,684 36,684 27,326 Recruitment of staff 10,911 10,911 8,657 Rent 242,057 242,057 208,976 Staff benefits 407,820 407,820 405,937 Staff salaries 2,659,520 2,659,520 2,532,268 Subscriptions and dues 7,267 7,267 8,823 Supplies 25,637 25,637 31,673
tYtilities
40,317 40,317 30,236 Van and vehicle expenses 31,082 31,082 36,430 $ 13,070 $ 4,053,914 $ 4,066,984 5 3,817,094 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Ministry orthe 'Attorney General Office of the Crown Attorney' Regional Municipality
Court House 491 Stems Avenue Milton ON L9T 1Y7 Telephone: (905) 878-7291 Facsimilei (905) 5934039
December 15, 2008
Minister° du Proeureur genéral Bureau du prooureur de Is Couronne Munlolpallte rtgionale de Helton Palais de juStice
Milton ON LOT 1Y7
Telephone (906) 878-7291 Telecoplete : (905) 6934985
BY FAX: (905) 633-9387 Ms: Candace Blundell Transitions for Youth . 2021 Plains Road East Burlington, ON
1,8R 1W1 Dear Ms. Blundell: Re: Transitions for Youth I have been the Crown Attorney in Halton since 1993.. The lawyers on our staff have seen first hand the
The very tangible benefits relate not just to alleged young offenders but also to victims and the
community at large.
Youth Criminal Justice Act' has committed an offence there are certain options as to how the matter will be dealt with. If charges are laid the Crown has carriage of the case and also has various options as to how to proceed, In many cases the public interest, includin
g the interests of victims, will be best served
by crafting alternative dispositions to the traditional trial and sentencing. There may be circumstances
, by means alternate to trial, and in other cases as an aspect of sentence or disposition after trial.
Transitionsfor Youth has provided valuable insight and alternatives to deal with breaches of the law,that go a long way to assist and reform the offender and provide solace and satisfaction to victims. The public interest is paramount and Crown counsel in Halton have regularly been assisted in their role to respect the public interest by input from Transitions for Youth. If programs such as this become =available the justice system is deprived a valuable input and programs to fulfill it's mandate. The lack
and not protect the public interest. I would heartily endorse 'any potential support to maintain Transitions for Youth in Halton. I say this not as an advocate for the Crown but in support of meaningful alternate dispositions in an over burdened justice system.
December 15, 21101 Feel free to contact me if you wish to discus's any aspect a these matters. Yours truly, BPO/et
TOTAL P.003
1 7
;
Wayne Joudrie, MEd., Director of Education Gillian Tuck Kutarna, Chair of the Board
December 19, 2008 To Whom It May Concern, Please accept this letter as an expression of our support for the services offered through Bridging The Gap. As School Social Workers located in high schools across Halton, we frequently work with adolescents who are disengaged from their families for a variety of reasons. This is a population of students who are at significant risk for homelessness and poverty, along with other forms of marginalization, and therefore require a great deal of community support and intervention. The Outreach Workers at Bridging the Gap play an essential and integral role in providing information and support to these at-risk students, and in doing so, work collaboratively with our team of School Social Workers to meet the various complex needs of these students. Their role is critical in helping these students establish themselves in safe living situations, which meet their basic living needs. With the closure of Transitions for Youth, we are aware that there is a risk that the services offered through Bridging The Gap will come to an end at the early part of 2009. This will create a significant void in support services for adolescents in our community and will have a tremendously negative effect on Halton communities. As a result, we support any plans or opportunities to maintain the programming at Bridging The Gap, We appreciate your consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, School Social Worker Team — Halton District School Board
J.W. Singleton Education Centre • 2050 Guelph Line, P.O. Box 5005, Burlington, Ontario L7R.3Z2 Phone: (905) 335-3663 • (905) 842-30]4 • (905) 878-8451 Fax: (905) 335-9802 www.hdsh.ca TOTAL P.02
December 19, 2008 To Whom It May Concern, I have been a School Social Worker in the Secondary system with the Halton District School Board since 2003. Since that time I have used the services of Bridging the Gap extensively, first in north Burlington and, more recently, in north Oakville for the students in the school. On occasion I have even used their services for homeless youth who are no longer in the school system but who have come to my office looking for assistance. Bridging the Gap provides a unique and invaluable service to the youth in our
in Halton when they are unable to live in their current situation. The youth workers come directly into the school to meet with the students and to assess what the needs of the students are. If they are in need of emergency shelter they help them access that. They also help with long-range plans for the student with regards to shelter, finances and
relationship with them and with school staff has been great. I also have had experience with a student being placed in a Bridging the Gap host family. This was a very helpful experience and situation for the student and her family as she was not ready to move into a group home or out on her own. Although I have not had the experience of having a student in the new home, Bridges, I was delighted to hear they were opening and will no doubt have students access it in the future if it remains open. In conclusion, I think that Bridging the Gap provides a much needed service to the youth
in a way similar to how it currently operates. Sincerely, Pat Guiry CCW., MSW., RSW. School Social Worker Abbey Park High School Oakville, Ontario