Youth at Risk Development Program (YARD)
Youth at Risk Development Program (YARD)
At YARD, we work alongside youth to create a future that aligns with their individual goals and unique strengths. Through building relationships, exploring healthier paths forward and supporting youth with their individual goals, we hope to provide youth more opportunities for connection, growth and well-being and reduce the influence of gangs.
What is YARD?
At YARD, we help youth aged 10 – 17 increase positive connections, create strong interpersonal relationships and find increased independence so they can avoid gang involvement.
YARD is a free and voluntary program.
At YARD, we work with youth to:
- Strengthen their interpersonal skills and relationships
- Reduce negative influences around youth
- Foster relationships amongst youth with positive adults
- Improve problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Improve their attitude towards employability/employment
- Increase time spent on positive, healthy and social activities
- Provide youth with mental health support
The YARD program includes:
- A police officer and a social worker on each team who will work with youth, their family, school and community to create a plan for each youth’s individual needs.
- A mental health professional from Recovery Alberta, for YARD clients who require mental health care.
- One Indigenous-led team, focused on providing support and resources to Indigenous youth and families. Examples of cultural support include connecting youth to elder teachings or participating in truth and reconciliation events.
Who is eligible for YARD?
- Youth aged 10 – 17 living in Calgary
- Currently involved in or taking an interest in gang involvement.
- Willing to participate in this voluntary program.
Signs a youth might be involved in or taking an interest in a gang include:
- Suddenly having large amounts of money, expensive new clothing or items that cannot be explained by known sources of income
- Changes in behaviours or friends. These friends may be older and have quite different interests than your child
- Showing little or no interest in family activities
- Starting to act in a paranoid and secretive manner
- Developing a strong interest in violent movies and/or music
How to refer a youth to YARD:
Anyone can refer a youth to the YARD program. To refer a youth, please fill out the youth at risk development referral form and email it to us at YARD@calgarypolice.ca.
Additional resources:
We want to help people get out of gangs. If you need help or if you know someone who does, contact our Gang Help Line at 403-428-8191. You can also talk to your school counsellor.
Youth involved in gangs can also talk to a counsellor confidentially 24/7 by calling the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
Questions?
- Email: YARD@calgarypolice.ca
- Phone: 403-428-8409
- Or call 311 and ask to speak to our YARD team
YARD is delivered in partnership program with The City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service and Recovery Alberta.
YARD is grateful for the support of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation.
Frequently asked questions:
Who can participate in the YARD program?
YARD is for youth aged 10 – 17 that are currently showing signs or interest in gang involvement. There are multiple signs a youth may be involved in a gang. One sign alone does not necessarily mean a youth is part of a gang.
If you’re not sure whether a youth is suitable for this program, we encourage you to reach out to our team at YARD@calgarypolice.ca or call 403-428-8409.
What is a gang?
A gang is a group of three or more individuals who are engaging in unlawful activities on an ongoing basis.
Who is at risk of gangs?
Some signs a youth might be involved in or taking an interest in a gang include:
- Having unexplained money or property.
- Family involvement in gangs.
- Showing unusual signs of secrecy.
- Relying on anti-social peers.
- Lack of school engagement.
- Lack of positive adult supervision.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
How long can my youth/student stay in the YARD program?
YARD is a voluntary program. On average, youth remain in the program between one to two years.
How do I refer a youth to the YARD program?
You can refer a youth to the program by filling out the youth at risk development referral form and emailing it to us at YARD@calgarypolice.ca.
How often will the YARD team visit my youth?
The YARD team will have regular visits with youth once a week or once every two weeks. These visits will build on a positive relationship, build trust and ensure the youth have the support they need.
What roles do the social workers, police officers and mental health clinicians play?
Social worker:
Assess situations, develops a plan, identifies resources and solutions and advocate for clients' rights and well-being.
Police officer:
Provides support, guidance and mentorship to help foster safety and positive outcomes.
Mental health clinician:
- Provide direct mental health support to clients and their caregivers.
- Assist YARD teams with cases involving mental health and overall wellness.
- Support clients and families in navigating and understanding the mental health system in Calgary.
What kind of activities will my youth be involved in as part of the YARD program?
Your youth will work on individual goals which could include life skills, interpersonal skills and confidence building activities to help create positive connections and find independence.
Is my youth in some type of trouble if they are part of the YARD program?
Your youth is not in trouble by attending this program. This program is focused on providing support to youth early on so that they can avoid the gang lifestyle and make healthier, safer and more positive choices for their future.
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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