Healthy Communities
Overcoming obstacles at the Y’s Youth Justice program
16 November 2022 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
The Youth Justice program operates from the York Region Employment & Community center by working with young offenders and meeting them where they’re at. Norman Behie and Zhong Tan are responsible for the program’s success.
How would you describe the program?
Zhong: The Youth Justice program works with young offenders younger than 18 who were found guilty and assigned probation. We offer counselling, family work, and coordination with community partners. Our approach is multi-layered and involves problem-solving and ensuring the youth can successfully complete probation while gaining new skills. We’ve assisted many others in not only completing high school, but in applying and getting into college too. Some of them even go on to using our Employment Services.
What interested you in working within this program?
Norman: I have always worked, in some capacity, with children and adolescents. I have earned a Bachelor of Science, a Masters Degree, and a Doctorate. I previously taught at the university level and am an Acquired Brain Injury Clinic Associate with McMaster University. I see this program as instrumental in the development of an individual. Our results show we have a 95% positive impact when working with young people. This is evidenced by the low recidivism rate (no new criminal charges).
What is the best part about working within the Youth Justice Program?
Both: We have been able to develop new services and frameworks within our mandate. We have multiple tools to do individual counselling and parent counselling. We focus on anger management, coping skills, education, and training programs. We also find that encouraging youth to express themselves and role-play helped them to increase their empathy.
What are some of the obstacles this program has overcome?
Both: This program has overcome some stereotypes. Often, young offenders are seen negatively. We have established our own identity, and worked collaboratively to show the youth in this program that we are there for their best interest and support.
Is there a success story you’d like to share?
Zhong: A youth referred to me by Probation was struggling with mental health issues and a lack of motivation. I worked closely with his therapist and counselled him weekly over the course of his probation. During this time, the youth was able to articulate his challenges and use a variety of coping mechanisms to address barriers in his life. As he progressed, we were able to identify short– and long- term goals and the youth got a job. I am happy to share that this youth successfully completed his Probation and is currently doing a co-op placement.
Norman: We are fortunate to have many success stories here. One youth was charged with assaulting someone and was given two-and-a-half years of probation. This youth lived with her grandparents due to her parents' inability to care for her, and she struggled with positive family and peer relationships. As part of my role as her Youth Justice Case Manager, I addressed her anger issues and convinced her to complete high school and apply to college. I was so proud to see her graduate with a Child and Youth Worker diploma and then go on to complete her Bachelor of Social Work. In my ongoing efforts to support her, I assisted her in securing employment as an Environmentalist Educator.
The Youth Justice Program is just one of the many ways the YMCA of Greater Toronto assists, supports and leads change in our community. Read up on our impact and the ways you can give back.
How would you describe the program?
Zhong: The Youth Justice program works with young offenders younger than 18 who were found guilty and assigned probation. We offer counselling, family work, and coordination with community partners. Our approach is multi-layered and involves problem-solving and ensuring the youth can successfully complete probation while gaining new skills. We’ve assisted many others in not only completing high school, but in applying and getting into college too. Some of them even go on to using our Employment Services.
What interested you in working within this program?
Norman: I have always worked, in some capacity, with children and adolescents. I have earned a Bachelor of Science, a Masters Degree, and a Doctorate. I previously taught at the university level and am an Acquired Brain Injury Clinic Associate with McMaster University. I see this program as instrumental in the development of an individual. Our results show we have a 95% positive impact when working with young people. This is evidenced by the low recidivism rate (no new criminal charges).
What is the best part about working within the Youth Justice Program?
Both: We have been able to develop new services and frameworks within our mandate. We have multiple tools to do individual counselling and parent counselling. We focus on anger management, coping skills, education, and training programs. We also find that encouraging youth to express themselves and role-play helped them to increase their empathy.
What are some of the obstacles this program has overcome?
Both: This program has overcome some stereotypes. Often, young offenders are seen negatively. We have established our own identity, and worked collaboratively to show the youth in this program that we are there for their best interest and support.
Is there a success story you’d like to share?
Zhong: A youth referred to me by Probation was struggling with mental health issues and a lack of motivation. I worked closely with his therapist and counselled him weekly over the course of his probation. During this time, the youth was able to articulate his challenges and use a variety of coping mechanisms to address barriers in his life. As he progressed, we were able to identify short– and long- term goals and the youth got a job. I am happy to share that this youth successfully completed his Probation and is currently doing a co-op placement.
Norman: We are fortunate to have many success stories here. One youth was charged with assaulting someone and was given two-and-a-half years of probation. This youth lived with her grandparents due to her parents' inability to care for her, and she struggled with positive family and peer relationships. As part of my role as her Youth Justice Case Manager, I addressed her anger issues and convinced her to complete high school and apply to college. I was so proud to see her graduate with a Child and Youth Worker diploma and then go on to complete her Bachelor of Social Work. In my ongoing efforts to support her, I assisted her in securing employment as an Environmentalist Educator.
The Youth Justice Program is just one of the many ways the YMCA of Greater Toronto assists, supports and leads change in our community. Read up on our impact and the ways you can give back.
