Youth Program

What does the Program Entail?

By identifying at-risk, disengaged and disadvantaged Indigenous youth through referral, the Building Tomorrow's Leaders program consists of diversion activities designed around a holistic skills-based model that offers alternative pathways for ongoing personal growth and connections.

Program Pathways

Case Management

Designed for one-on-one intervention, one of our Youth Workers works closely with the participant to guide them to engage in education and employment pathways, community and cultural connections and other supports as needed.

The case manager will also work closely with the family to offer support around housing, family employment, health care and community engagement.

Intensive Block Program

The Intensive Block Program will consist of 12 participants per program, which will run in alignment with school holidays. The program will involve

• Cultural activities include knowledge sharing, Dreamtime, kinship, Welcome to Country, hunting/gathering, cultural traditions and more.
• Life skills lessons include budgeting, shopping, nutrition, cooking, sexual health and more.
• Career pathways planning, focusing on goal making, education and training opportunities, resume writing and interview techniques.
• Connection with family highlights the importance of family and kinship, group discussions and activities involving families, and encourages reconnection.
• Physical and mental health activities such s time in nature and bush, teamwork, leadership building, and meditation.

After each block program, participants will graduate and be presented with a completion certificate.

Am I Eligible?

The program is open to First Nations Youth who are identified as at-risk through the following characteristics:

• The lower attendance rate at school/educational program
• Involved in violence/anti-social behaviours
• Engaged in parole and/or probation services
• Has or is completing community service
• Unemployed and lacking motivation/engagement with job-seeking
• Isolation from community
• Involvement with criminal activities or groups
• Homelessness
• Parental involvement in the justice system

Accessing the Program

The program is accessed via referrals from:

• Primary and secondary schools
• Community groups and organisations
• Child safety
• Local police services

Referrals will be assessed for suitability to the block program or case management.