Federal government announces $5M to combat youth crime in Longueuil
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Loading... - Liisa Turunen
- 26 May 2023
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The federal government has allocated an impressive sum of nearly $5 million towards the implementation of a novel initiative aimed at curbing youth crime in Longueuil. For an extended period, both the Longueuil police force and community organizations have diligently sought methods to combat this pressing issue.
During a gathering at Longueuil City Hall, federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino highlighted the significance of prevention, asserting, "While we discuss our efforts to reinforce legislation against crimes and firearms, and our investments in border security, we often overlook the critical aspect of prevention."
In pursuit of this prevention-focused approach, a pioneering program named "Groupe Contact" has been established. Over the course of the next five years, it aims to assist 300 at-risk youths, aged between 12 and 17, who have either engaged in criminal activities or displayed violent tendencies. This noteworthy project falls under the auspices of the Government of Canada's Crime Prevention Action Fund (CPAF) and encompasses a comprehensive range of activities such as workshops on gang risk awareness, counseling, employment training, and personal life management.
"We will collaborate extensively with various teams and community organizations to engage with these young individuals," stated Patrick Belanger, Director of the Longueuil Police. "It is a voluntary program that seeks to reintegrate them in a positive manner."
To effectively identify those requiring the most assistance, the police force intends to collaborate with 26 high schools in Longueuil, as well as youth protection services, youth centers, and family members. The presence of partners within educational institutions and households will greatly facilitate the process of identifying at-risk individuals.
Although maintaining the active involvement of teenagers in a voluntary program can present challenges, the Longueuil police express unwavering confidence in the expertise of their partners. "These individuals have received specialized training," affirmed Belanger. Among the professionals involved are social workers like Vanessa Valdelomar, who possesses valuable experience in helping adolescents rediscover the right path. Valdelomar remarked, "These young people encounter numerous hardships, yet they often lack the knowledge of how to overcome them. It will be truly intriguing to work with them in this capacity."
Despite observing a decline in youth crime rates since 2015, the Longueuil police remain concerned about the proliferation of violent content on social media platforms, which is increasingly being shared by teenagers. Hence, initiatives like Groupe Contact assume great significance. The program will encompass extracurricular activities, educational support, and career opportunities, all aimed at redirecting the youth towards a positive trajectory.
