ReDirect
ReDirect
At ReDirect, our goal is to provide early support to youth involved in hate-based conflict by helping them build life skills, strengthen conflict resolution abilities, and connect with community resources.
What is ReDirect?
ReDirect provides awareness and social support to youth aged 12 - 17 who are at risk of or may be involved in conflict related to hateful or harmful beliefs.
We focus on providing youth with awareness, and positive social activities that help to increase youth’s understanding and respect for diversity. We believe this proactive approach can protect youth from potential hateful conflict and direct them towards a more positive path.
The ReDirect team is made up of a police officer and a social worker who work with the youth’s family, schools and community to provide support.
ReDirect is a free and voluntary program.
What is hate-motivated conflict?
Hate based conflict may be any act or behaviour that is motivated by hate, leading to harm or violence towards another individual. Hateful acts may be directed towards differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or differences in opinions and beliefs.
Examples of hate-motivated conflict:
Youth may be:
• Posting hateful comments online targeted towards another group.
• Verbally saying slurs, jokes, insulting or hateful language towards others another individual's skin colour, ethnic origin, nationality or sexuality.
• Showing a strong dislike or intolerance towards a certain group of people.
Youth may be:
• Engaging in violent activities such as hate based vandalism, assault or harassment.
• Getting involved in groups of people that are engaging in hate-motivated activities.
Youth may be:
• Involved in an extremist or terrorist group.
• Committing hate-motivated criminal activity.
• Willfully promoting hatred towards an identified group.
At ReDirect, we work with youth to:
- Improve their resilience against hateful or harmful beliefs that might lead to conflict.
- Build skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Encourage positive attitudes towards education and employment.
- Improve their financial or living situations.
- Support mental health, addressing substance abuse and mental health challenges.
- Connect them to healthy and positive social activities.
Who is eligible for ReDirect?
- Youth aged 12 – 17 living in Calgary
- Youth involved in or showing signs of hate-based conflict
- Willing to participate in this voluntary program
- Youth must be able to understand and speak English well enough to take part in activities like journalling, mentorship and skill-building.
How to refer a youth to ReDirect:
Families, schools, police, and community groups can refer youth to join. To refer a potential client, please complete the referral form and email it to ReDirect@calgarypolice.ca.
After your referral is accepted, we will contact you within 10-14 days.
Questions?
- Email: ReDirect@calgarypolice.ca
- Call 311 and ask speak to our ReDirect team
Additional resources:
ReDirect is delivered in partnership program with The City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service and Recovery Alberta.
ReDirect is grateful for the support of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation.
Frequently asked questions:
Who can participate in the ReDirect Program?
All referrals are reviewed by the ReDirect team to determine if the youth is a fit for the program. However, to participate in the program, youth must be:
- Aged 12 - 17 and live in Calgary
- Willing to participate, as the program is voluntary
- Able to speak English well enough to journal and participate in written assignments and in-person mentoring sessions.
- Demonstrating signs of hate-motivated conflict or behaviours either in-person or online.
If you’re not sure whether your youth is a fit for this program, we encourage you to email our ReDirect team at ReDirect@calgarypolice.ca or call 311 and ask to speak to our ReDirect team.
What is hate-motivated conflict?
Hate-motivated conflict refers to a serious disagreement, argument or act that is done out of a strong emotional dislike towards certain people, things, or ideas. Hate is often motivated by bias, prejudice, discrimination, or what the targeted person/think or idea represents.
Conflict can take many forms, both in-person and online and may include verbal violence or physical violence, threats and/or property damage.
Who can refer a youth to ReDirect?
Referrals can be made by anyone, including family members, educators, law enforcement, community groups, youth-serving agencies, and even the youth themselves.
You can refer a youth to ReDirect by completing the referral form and emailing it to us at ReDirect@calgarypolice.ca.
Is participation mandatory?
No. ReDirect is a voluntary program. Youth do not have to participate if they don’t want to, and they can also leave the program at any time if they wish to do so.
How often will the ReDirect team visit my youth?
ReDirect meets with your child/student once a week on average. Meeting regularly with children and youth allows us to develop a positive mentorship relationship, build trust and ensures they receive regular support.
What kind of activities will my youth be involved in as part of the ReDirect program?
We include your child in a variety of activities suited to their individual goals.
What roles do the social workers, police officers and mental health clinicians play?
Working collaboratively, the social worker, mental health clinician and police officer assess the youth’s situation and identifies resources and solutions to support their well-being. Together, we teach youth strategies of how they can move away from violence while ensuring they have the right tools, support and mentorship.
Is my youth in some type of trouble if they are part of the ReDirect Program?
Participating in this program does not mean your youth is in trouble. It means that you are taking appropriate steps to ensure your youths safety and overall well-being.
Taking a proactive and mental health focused approach allows us to prevent future hate based conflicts and ensure your youth has the tools and knowledge they need to make good choices.
What roles do caregivers or parents have in ReDirect?
Caregivers play a major role in helping youth learn and practice the skills needed to avoid conflict with others. After the referral, the ReDirect team meets with caregivers to discuss how they can best support the youth with completing activities and accessing resources.
Caregivers also receive regular communication from the ReDirect team regarding the youth’s progress and any challenges that may arise.
How will mine or my youth’s personal information be used?
Personal information is kept in accordance with Privacy of Protection Act and kept only for the purposes of carrying out this program. No personal information is obtained or shared outside of our program partners without parent or the youth’s consent. Personal information is used for:
- Creating the right case plan for our children, youth and their families
- Assessing needs and setting goals
- Measuring progress and success
- Assessing suitability of child/youth referrals to our programs
- Improving our service
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