Two youth-based programs in the province are keeping kids-in-need off waitlists.
The Youth Mentorship Program focuses on social and emotional crises, and Respite CYC deals with challenges related to special needs.
CEO of Atlantic Youth Consulting Andrew Middleton says it’s about getting kids the care they need when they need it.
“It’s the realization of real problems – if I cut my finger and I need a band-aid, I need a band-aid now,” he says.
“And if someone says, ‘I’m going to the grocery story tomorrow and I’ll get you a band-aid tomorrow,’ it doesn’t make any sense when the problem is now.”
Middleton says there is no wait list and they meet with kids where they feel most comfortable.
Not in an clinic or an office.
He says the program is tailored to each individual child.
“One of our youth care workers, the first two conversations with her client was through the kid’s bedroom door,” he says.
“Like, sitting in the hallway.”
Atlantic Youth also offers a program aimed at addressing the challenges related to special needs.
Middleton says the programs are defined by parents but designed by youth.
For more information, contact Atlantic Youth Consulting by phone (1-902-820-1234) or e-mail (info@atlanticyouth.ca)
