Brampton - Peel youth had their voices heard today on the province's Roots of Youth Violence report, comparing notes and exchanging ideas with the report's co-author, Dr. Alvin Curling, and calling for further discussions with government officials to promote funding for community anti-violence initiatives.
The Uprooting Youth Violence community forum held at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board gave participants the opportunity to assess the report's recommendations and endorse key steps that need to be taken to nurture a strong and safe community.
"We were excited when the Provincial government commissioned this study because it meant that other communities across Ontario were just as concerned with preventing youth violence as Peel," said Vice-Chair of the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network (PYVPN), Regional Councillor Pat Saito at the forum. "This in-depth analysis of the cause and effects inciting youth crime in Ontario is a valuable resource that establishes the groundwork for more streamlined and effective solutions."
The recommendations of the Roots of Youth Violence report were well-received by youth representatives and advocates at the forum. These recommendations include:
•Ensure a policy framework and government structure be put into place to align government ministries and to support effective collaboration between all levels of government and communities addressing the root causes of youth violence;
•Establish the infrastructure and mandate needed to carry out the 30 recommendations of the report; and
•Effectively support the four recommendations originally presented by the PYVPN to the provincial Roots of Youth Violence Steering Committee for specific action in Peel; those being:
·Keeping public buildings and schools open after hours;
·Sustainable funding for youth programs and community groups;
·Development of a seamless support for children of all ages and;
·Shared advocacy for youth safety.
In addition to the keynote address by Dr. Alvin Curling, the forum included colourful performances and story-telling by youth that offered real-life perspectives on living as a young person in Peel.
"The overall discussion today was inspirational and promising because the diverse group gathered here today listened and shared in earnest with each other. There are a number of voices that want to be heard on this issue," said the Chair of the PYVPN, Regional Councillor Gael Miles. "The Roots of Youth Violence report is a wonderful example of what happens when we keep the lines of communication open and nurture an all-encompassing approach to finding a solution."
The Region of Peel delivers a wide range of programs and services to more than one million citizens every day. This includes ambulance services, public health, long-term care, child care, waste collection, recycling and disposal, water and wastewater services, Regional road construction and maintenance, social assistance and affordable rental housing. Regional Headquarters are located at 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON. Phone Number: 905-791-7800.