SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan provincial government and Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon has teamed up to launch a new program that will provide at-risk youth in the city with specialized supports and services to meet their needs.
The program, using a harm reduction model, will support up to five male youth in a safe and stable semi-independent living environment. The housing will be called Michael's Place.
Social Services Minister Lori Carr said they always make sure the supports and services cater to the needs of the children and youth that they serve.
"There is a need in Saskatoon for this type of support for youth who have had challenges with maintaining a care placement in a more traditional group home setting. We look forward to partnering with [PHR] to provide specialized supports and services that will help reduce barriers for these young people, while also preparing them for that next step in their lives,” added Carr.
The new program will provide high-risk youth with a supportive, non-judgmental and semi-independent home-like environment with support to address mental health and addictions issues while preparing for their transition to independence.
They will have 24-hour access to services that ensure their physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural and developmental needs are met.
PHR executive director Kayla DeMong said they are happy to work with Social Services when it comes to giving support to the community.
"[PHR] is excited to be growing our partnership with the Ministry of Social Services to offer residential support to youth in our community. Michael's Place is a semi-independent home for youth 16 years and older who struggle to maintain residential placement often due to substance use," DeMong said.
The provincial government has allotted $662,506 to fund the new program in Saskatoon aside from the $618,000 they provide to PHR in operating an intensive, harm reduction-based in-home support program for families in need of preventative services.
In total, the Saskatchewan government provides nearly $1.6 million in annual funding to PHR, which provides culturally sensitive supports using a harm reduction model that meets people where they are.
PHR believes that every person deserves respect, kindness and opportunities to thrive. They advocate, aid and assist the health, stability and safety of individuals, families and communities.
For more information on PHR or to obtain services, visit https://prairiehr.ca.
