Roy McMurtry Youth Centre Action Plan

McGuinty Government Taking Action To Improve Safety And Conditions

NEWS

Ontario has released a four-point action plan to improve youth and staff safety, as well as living conditions at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre.

The government’s action plan includes four key components:

Introducing new programs that will help keep youth safe, engaged and encourage learning. Centre staff will also receive training to enhance their ability to serve as coaches and positive role models for youth.
Hiring an additional 48 staff this summer that will be trained on ways to positively engage youth and change negative behaviour.
Establishing a Partnership Action Committee, made up of education, mental health and other experts as well as community partners, to identify new programs and help ease the transition of youth into their communities.
Regularly measuring a number of indicators at the centre, including the number and type of rehabilitative and education programs offered and their impact, as well as youth participation.

The improvements included as part of this action plan build on measures taken since last fall to increase safety, establish positive staff and youth relationships, and improve procedures and living conditions at the 192-bed facility.

QUOTES

“We want to make sure that all our youth, including those in conflict with the law, have the supports they need to achieve success and be productive citizens. Our action plan brings together the resources, training and programming needed to support youth and improve safety, while working to better prepare youth so they do not re-offend and can make a positive contribution to society.”
- Laurel Broten, Minister of Children and Youth Services

"This four point action plan reflects prudent investments in staff, community involvement and skill based programs to support the successful re-integration of youth."
- Marg Stanowski, Executive Director, Operation Springboard

QUICK FACTS

An on-site high school at the centre, operated by the Peel District School Board, helps youth earn high school credits, as well as trades and skills training.
On average, about 100 youth are admitted to the centre each month. Of these, about 40 per cent are in the facility for less than a week.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about programs for youth in conflict with the law in Ontario.
Find out how Ontario is helping youth achieve their potential.
Learn more about the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.
The province has also recently built and opened new youth centres in Fort Frances, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay, and expanded an existing facility in Ottawa.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Paris Meilleur, Minister's Office, 416 212-7159
Peter Spadoni, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, 416 325-5156