Housing First for Youth Program

The Housing First For Youth (HF4Y) Program assists youth with securing safe and affordable housing. Participants in this program will receive ongoing support from the caseworker as they continue to transition into adulthood.

Trusteed Youth Program

In partnership with the Region of Durham, BGC Durham provides trustee services for youth receiving Ontario Works. A youth may quality for Ontario Works if their parent(s) cannot support them financially or will not let them live at home. A caseworker from the Region will determine eligibility and when applicable, may refer them to BGC Durham to act as a trustee.

CLEAR Anger Management Program

Session 1 – Understanding Anger, Aggression and Violence
Session 2 – Effects of Anger on the Body and Consequences of Violence
Session 3 – Depression, Anxiety and Breaking out of Your Comfort Zone
Session 4 – Goal-Setting, Future Planning and Setting Yourself up for Success

• This program will run online using Zoom. 
• Sessions run Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on select months. 

Youth Justice Committee

The Youth Justice Committee is a Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services program. It provides an alternative to formal court proceedings when dealing with young people alleged to have committed minor offences. The Youth Justice Committees involves trained community members who meet the person(s) harmed, accused young person, and their parents/caregivers, to negotiate an appropriate way for the young person to make amends for his or her actions. The Youth Justice Committee provides an increased opportunity for persons harmed and the broader community to have a role in dealing with offenses committed by young persons.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Youth Justice Committee program, please click on the buttons to learn more about the role and to apply.

Restorative Justice Program (Extrajudicial Measures)

Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Restorative Justice Program is a pre-charge program that allows the police to address the actions of young persons without utilizing the formal youth justice system. This innovative police/community partnership is designed to hold the young person accountable to the person harmed in the offence.

Extrajudicial Sanctions Program

The Extrajudicial Sanctions Program is a means to divert young persons who are charged, away from formal criminal proceedings and into a program of rehabilitation. Examples of extrajudicial sanctions include: community work, personal service work, apology letters, an apology in person, essay/crime prevention projects, restitution, and/or participation in life skill programming such as anger management or life skills programming.

Youth Court Access Program

Funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario, the Youth Court Access program supports young people ages 12-24 involved in the justice system by helping them navigate court processes. The youth court access worker (YCAW) connects youth to services, facilitates interventions, and provides case management in collaboration with legal professionals. Key services include assistance with legal aid applications, obtaining disclosure, fingerprinting, securing counsel, bail hearings, and connecting with duty counsel. The program ensures youth have the resources and support needed to complete court-directed programs and navigate the justice system effectively, promoting community-based solutions and support for youth and their families.