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Terrific Tuesday Mish Mash / Issue # 39
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Mish Mash Table of Contents
A. News & Announcements
Violence reports soar at youth jail
Youth jail dangerous, guard says
Suicides turn focus on stricken north
Bathurst-Finch Neighbourhood Network
B. Programs
2010 Ontario Internship Program
C. Employment
Manager – Prison Training Initiatives
Co-Trainer – YOUCAN Prison Training Initiatives
D. Resources
Quality of Life Much Worse for Some Groups, Says New Institute Report
Are We Doing Enough? A Status Report on Canadian Public Policy and Child and Youth Health
Anxiety / anti-stigma comic book
Post date:
Violence reports soar at youth jail
First published in the Toronto Star
December 21, 2009
http://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/lawenforcement/article/741343...
Diana Zlomislic
Since late summer 2009, more than 160 teens have filed complaints with Ontario's youth advocate about the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton.
A Toronto teen arrived at the Jarvis Street youth court last month with black eyes, bloodied clothing and abrasions on his swollen head - an alarming testament to the escalating violence inside Ontario's new "superjail" for kids.
The slight 17-year-old says he was brutalized regularly by fellow inmates throughout the 13 days he spent at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton awaiting a bail hearing.
"From what we understand, nothing was done to prevent or stop the attacks," his lawyer, Veronique Henry, told the Star.
"When they come in with injuries like my client did ... you can't say this child is crying wolf."
More than 160 teens have filed 250 formal complaints about the facility with Ontario's Children and Youth Advocate since late summer. Most of these detainees haven't even been convicted of the charges facing them but are awaiting a bail hearing or trial.
Despite a sweeping internal review, prompted by concerns from the advocate's office and brought to light in the Star last month, allegations of violence have risen 15 per cent. An ambulance was dispatched to the 192-bed, state-of-the-art superjail eight times within a six-month period, suggesting injuries so severe, they couldn't be treated at the jail's medical unit.
For Henry's client, the conditions were so dire, he attempted suicide.
"These kids, and boys in particular it seems, are terrified - just terrified," she said. "We can't run a justice system like this."
During the past few weeks, four teens who have been detained at the jail shared their stories with the Star.
They described a brutal hazing from fellow inmates while staff turned a blind eye, being deprived of medication, being locked in isolation for days wearing only boxer shorts, and being subjected to excessive use of force by staff. The identities of these teens are protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
When a reporter tried to interview a fifth teen who told his lawyer he would like to share details about the abuses he suffered, a halfway house funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, which also oversees the jail, called police to launch an investigation.
The reporter hadn't even contacted the youth directly but notified a supervisor at the home of her intent to interview the youth.
A ministry spokeswoman couldn't explain why police were called. She denied a claim that the teen's file had been flagged with a note for police to launch a probe in the event a reporter tried to contact the youth.
When asked about specific allegations of abuse at the jail, Minister Laurel Broten told the Star, "It's upsetting to hear."
Broten pledged, "It's something that I'm going to look into further."
A week later, the ministry responded by email:
"Where there is an allegation of a serious occurrence at any of our youth facilities, including RMYC, they are taken very seriously and an investigation is initiated and appropriate action is taken. These investigations include review of relevant records, including health care and operational documentation, interviews with residents and staff; and video when available."
Irwin Elman, Ontario's advocate for children and youth, said he's still waiting on the results of eight investigations dating to September.
While the province has addressed some of the facility's shortcomings in meeting detainees' most basic rights by handing out pillows and blankets and monitoring food temperature, persistent concerns around the jail's culture and its ability to deal with young people are reaching a tipping point.
The Roy, as the $93 million jail is referred to by staff and its young detainees, is named for Ontario's progressive former chief justice. While McMurtry plays no active role in the facility's operations, he said he's discussed concerns outlined by the youth advocate with the ministry and is certain fixing those problems will be a priority.
Toronto attorney Laurie Galway has represented roughly 50 youths who have come through the jail.
Many complained about fighting in the facility that wasn't being stopped immediately.
The union representing jail workers blames insufficient staffing.
"Every day we're running short," said Bruce England, a youth services officer at the Roy and president of OPSEU Local 290. "People that are working 3 to 11 are getting ordered to stay from 11 to 7 because we don't have the staff."
The 23,000-square-foot jail currently employs 166 permanent front-line youth services officers.
The ministry said an analysis of the staffing model is underway.
Ontario's youth advocate, meanwhile, is watching closely.
That an entire division of a provincial ministry in cooperation with hundreds of institutional staff can't do better for this group of young people "is a little bit mind-boggling," Elman said.
"When we take kids into custody, we become their guardians, as a province. One of the primary considerations is to keep children safe."Diana Zlomislic can be reached at dzlomislic@thestar.ca or 416-869-4472.
Youth jail dangerous, guard says
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/741715--youth-jail-dangerous-guard-says
Originally published in The Toronto Star on Tue Dec 22 2009
by Diana Zlomislic
Blames mix of gang members at Brampton facility for `chaos' that puts both teens and staffers at risk
A flawed admissions process at a Brampton superjail is endangering troubled teens and staff, says a senior jail guard at the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre.
In one case, a teenage Crown witness was put in the same unit as the group of young offenders he was to testify against.
"We're mixing gang members together – it's chaos because we're not classifying these youths properly," said Bruce England, a youth services officer at The Roy and president of OPSEU Local 290.
The 192-bed jail, which opened in May with a promise to provide a positive, rehabilitative style of custody for youth in trouble with the law, is under increased scrutiny this week after the Star published serious allegations of abuse and violence experienced by its detainees. They described a brutal hazing from fellow inmates while staff turned a blind eye, being deprived of medication, being locked in isolation for days wearing only boxer shorts, and being subjected to excessive use of force by staff. More than 160 teens have filed 250 formal complaints about the facility with Ontario's Children and Youth Advocate since late summer. Reports of violence have risen 15 per cent since October.
"We don't want to get kids beaten up either, but some of it is not in our control," England said. "We have upper management putting these kids wherever they want to put them. They're putting them in units that these kids shouldn't be put in."
The Ministry of Children and Youth, which oversees the jail, has told the Star the jail's most senior administrator could answer questions about the facility's operation.
Reached Monday, Ed McAndrew would not comment and referred the Star to a ministry official whose voice mail indicated he's out of his office until Jan. 4.
The ministry bills the 23,000-square-foot jail as a "campus-style facility." There are 12 units on the site. Each occupies about 2,500 square feet and includes 16 bedrooms for detainees and a kitchen area, as well a central desk area for youth services officers on duty.
England said it's nearly impossible for just two youth services officers to monitor youths in an area so large. The union has requested that four youth services officers be on duty in a unit at any given time. The ministry said it's conducting an analysis of the staffing model.
During the past six months, a handful of youth services officers have quit; a few more are on stress leave, England said.
"In the last week, three contract workers quit right in the middle of their shifts, saying `I didn't sign up for this,'" England said.
While the jail can hold up to 192 young offenders, it typically operates under capacity with about 120 youths. While most are awaiting bail and haven't been convicted of the charges they're facing, a small but significant group of teens are serving time for serious offences.
Violent offenders are not segregated from teens accused of petty theft.
It's worth noting, England said, that while the Child and Family Services Act legislates the facility be used for youth between the ages of 12 and 17, the Youth Justice Act allows a detainee to remain at a youth facility until the age of 20.
"We have grown men sitting with youth," England said.
"We have the older kids over 18 that are soldiering the younger kids to fight because they don't want to get adult charges."
The ministry confirmed Monday that placement decisions for youth "are based on their needs rather than their age."
England said staff has requested that management implement a specialized intake assessment unit at the jail where new admissions can go for 24 to 72 hours before they're directed to a range.
That would allow managers to be completely sure a youth is sent to the appropriate range. The request, England said, was denied.
"They think these kids are supposed to just get along," he said. "It doesn't work that way."
Suicides turn focus on stricken north
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/740876--suicides-turn-focus-on-stricken-north
Published On Sat Dec 19 2009
Written by Tanya Talaga
Ontario will place special focus on the plight of First Nations children's aid societies when the province reviews the laws that govern child welfare, youth justice and adoption practices next year, theStar has learned.
Northern children's aid societies are in the midst of fighting a suicide epidemic while also going broke. In the last year, 13 teens living in the remote communities along the James and Hudson Bay coasts, and, throughout the isolated north have committed suicide – all by hanging. The youngest to die was 14.
"Our agency is faced with an unprecedented regional suicide crisis," said Ernest Beck, executive director of Payukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services in Moosonee, a train- and fly-in-only community of 2,800. Beck has asked the Ontario government for emergency funding for four suicide prevention workers to help manage the crisis.
Children and Youth Services Minister Laurel Broten told theStar she had not spoken to Beck about this request, but will look into it. Broten, along with Aboriginal Affairs Minister Brad Duguid, plans to travel to the north in January to meet with First Nations community leaders and children's aid staff to see the problems they face first-hand. "I know that there are significant challenges in the north," Broten said. "Additional short-term money is not everything needed. I also know strong, child welfare alone won't be enough."
There is no simple fix to the issues of poverty, despair and isolation in the north, she added.
Payukotayno is struggling under a crushing debt load that leaves the agency unable to provide the same level of service children in southern Ontario receive. Last week, the government gave the agency a $2.3 million bailout after Beck threatened to lay off all 120 staff members and shut the agency down because of lack of money. However, the funds will only last until the end of March.
The costs of protecting and serving children in the north are comparatively high. Payukotayno often must dish out $400 a minute to charter a plane to rescue a child in crisis in a remote, fly-in reserve such as Attawapiskat or Kashechewan. Beck said they don't get extra funds to handle this cost.
"You can't do a lot here without paying a premium," said Beck.
The government review of the Child and Family Services Act will place special focus on children's aid societies' compliance with their obligations to provide services to First Nations children. A review of the legislation is conducted every five years. The government will also meet with First Nations representatives and service providers.
"This is an opportunity to look at the broad issue of how the act is working, how aboriginal children can be cared for – how the customary care model is working and how we can best support families," Broten said. "Maybe the foster care system isn't as strong – can we strengthen it? That is what we are looking at."
The findings of the review should be available by March 31, 2010.
High costs of living translate into a lack of foster homes, said Payukotayno's director of services, Marlene Kapashesit. Groceries in the Moosonee store cost nearly double those in the south – a box of Tide detergent costs about $17. Close to 70 Payukotayno kids have been shipped as far south as Toronto because of a lack of foster beds.
"We would really like to see our children come back," she said.
Bathurst-Finch Neighbourhood Network
Do you work or live in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood (approximately Sheppard to Steeles, Dufferin to Bathurst) neighbourhood?
• Does your organization have programs in the area?
• Do you know of free programs and/or spaces for youth?
• What about for seniors, women, children?
• ESL programs?
• Community spaces?
• Grassroots groups?
• Advocacy groups?
The Bathurst-Finch Network (BFN) is working on compiling this information so:
• We can invite frontline workers and people who live in the neighbourhood to join the BFN.
• We can figure out what's here and what needs to be here.
• We can create fact sheets/guides to give to everyone so they/we know what's available.
Please get in touch with Amy Katz at akatz@newheightshealth.org
Call for Posters--Health & Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Deadline: January 15, 2010
Health & Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders
September 29th–October 1st, 2010Conference Description
This conference will provide education and informative updates on psychiatric, behavioural and complex health components specific to individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and showcase best practices in the field. Specifically, the conference will focus on approaches to complex challenging behaviours, contributing medical issues and new developments in medication and behavioral treatment. In addition, the conference will address important health issues including Reflux, Pain, Epilepsy, Dental Management and Sleep. Health problems in common genetic syndromes such as Down and Fragile X will also be addressed. Please download the advance notice and call for posters from http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/Brochures/AdvNot_Health_and_Wellbein....
Call for Posters
2010 Ontario Internship Program
D i s c o v e r t h e O n t a r i o P u b l i c S e r v i c e
Be an Intern. Jump Start Your Career.
Positions are available in
eight focus areas:• Business and Financial Planning
• Communications
• Human Resources
• Information and Information Technology
• Labour Relations
• Policy Development
• Program and Service Delivery
• Project Management
The Ontario Public Service is a proud recipient of the following awards:
The Ontario Public Service is an equal opportunity employer.
The Ontario Internship Program offers two-year
paid positions in a wide range of ministries and
agencies across the Ontario Public Service.
This entry-level program is open to people who have
graduated with a recognized degree or a diploma
within the past two years (May 2008 - August 2010).Join the Ontario Public Service, make a
difference, and be part of a new generation
of public service professionals.Applications will be available
online and must be submitted
between January 4 to February 1, 2010.go here to: A P P L Y O N L I N E
ontario.ca/careers
select Youth and New Professionals
go to Internships and Co-opsVisit our website to find out about the vast range of career
opportunities available across various ministries and agencies
in the Ontario Public Service.Program Director
Employer:More Than Child’s Play Family Resource CentrePosition type:Full-timeApplication deadline:Jan 8 2010 (All day)Apply To
More Than Child’s Play (“MTCP”) is a non-profit/charitable Family Resource Centre. For the past 27 years, we have been providing many needed services to the parents, caregivers and children (from infants to six years of age) in the Parkdale area.
MTCP strives to meet the diverse needs of parents and children in the local community. MTCP provides support services and information resources to parents, caregivers and children, while encouraging optimal social, emotional, and physical development in at atmosphere of equality, security, and harmony. The content of all programs and services reflects the diversity of our communities, their cultures, experiences and challenges.
We are currently looking for a dynamic, energetic and self motivated Program Director. The Program Director is responsible for the successful management and planning of operations, programming, human resources, budgeting, accounting, and staff according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
• Ensure safety and well being of children and families attending the centre
• Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board and Funders and contribute to the organization’s mission
• Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
• Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
• Work with the Board to prepare a comprehensive budget for all funding sources and to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
• Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization as directed by the Board of Directors
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization
• Ensure that all salaries, expenses and bills are accurate and paid on time
• Ensure that quarterly stats are delivered on time to the City of Toronto Consultant and any other yearly submissions required of MTCP to report to the City of Toronto (e.g., Year-To-Date, Serious Occurrence, Insurance Renewal, Wage Subsidy and Pay Equity Reports)
• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
Knowledge, skills and abilities
• Graduate of the Early Childhood Education Program
• Current CPR/First Aid training.
• Must have minimum 2 years experience of fundraising, budgets, and working with city departments
• Must have minimum 2 years experience in a management level position at a non-profit organization
• Required a minimum of 2 years experience working directly with parents and families
• Capacity to work with people from a variety of backgrounds: ethnic, socio-economic, educational, religious, generational and/or sexual orientations
• Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Working knowledge of computer software Microsoft, Excel, Internet and Email
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Second language an asset
• Knowledge of family resource centers and family support programs
• Leadership ability: Must be able to effectively lead and manage staff to produce required programs while maintaining a supportive and caring environment.
• Organizational abilities: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, and monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
Please note: A police clearance check is required by the successful candidate prior to hiring.
A minimum of three personal/professional references will be requested at time of interview.
MTCP is committed to employment equity and offers a competitive salary, vacation and benefits.
Manager – Prison Training Initiatives
Employer:YOUCAN Peacebuilder Project at Collins Bay Institution (Kingston, Ontario)Start date:3 January 2010 (All day)Wage:$52000.00Pay Type:per contractPosition type:Contract - full-timeApplication deadline:Dec 30 2009 (All day)Apply To
Contact name:David Farthing, Executive DirectorLocation:Email:ed@youcan.caPhone:(877) 309-5969Fax:(613) 235-5801Full time, contract position January 3 – March 31, 2010, with the possibility of extension annually up to 4 years. Bilingual (English and French) $45,000 - $52,000 plus benefits, based on experience
Kingston, Ontario
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the coordination and management of the YOUCAN Peacebuilder Project at Collins Bay Institution (Kingston, Ontario).
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinating and delivering ongoing Peacebuilder training as per the project work plan.
• Training including mentorship and coaching of inmates.
• Program planning and administration.
• Administrative duties related to training sessions (including processing of inmate passes, booking travel, accommodation, room set-up, etc.)
• Organizing awareness sessions for corrections staff
• Day-to-day administration of project including preparation of YOUCAN and other training materials for trainings, invoice requests, timely submission quarterly reports, and working with evaluators.
• Research on restorative practices in a prison environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
The incumbent will have some familiarity with YOUCAN’s work as well as restorative justice approaches and methods. This person will also be able to work well independently, in a fast- paced environment. Specifically, the incumbent will have:
• Relevant experience in the social services sector area preferably related to work in prisons, conflict resolution training and mentoring
• An undergraduate degree in the area of social work, criminology, family studies or other related field
• Project management experience essential. Government funded project management experience an asset• Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills
• Strong presenter and communicator
• Strong networking & relationship-building skills: must have the ability to work cooperatively with staff, volunteers and associated non-profit or publicly funded groups, agencies and organizations
• Excellent oral and report writing skills in both official languages • Knowledge of conflict resolution and mentoring theory, principles and practices • Strong organizational skills • Outstanding listening skills • Creative problem-solving ability • A strong interest in restorative justice and youth issues • The ability to contribute to a collegial, respectful and supportive office environment • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Knowledge of standard office procedures and Apple computer skills are required • Ability to relate and work with staff, volunteers and inmates • Ability to work under pressure • Excellent time management and task prioritizing skills • Flexibility is essential to this position • Fluency in another language is an asset.
This position requires a great deal of flexibility and travel. A preference will be given to candidates that have experience with social service agencies and
community groups. YOUCAN is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Interested parties may submit their resumes with a covering letter, quoting Manager, Prison Training Initiatives
Co-Trainer – YOUCAN Prison Training Initiatives
Employer:YOUCAN Peacebuilder Project at Collins Bay Institution (Kingston, Ontario)Start date:3 January 2010 (All day)Wage:$230.00Position type:Contract - full-timeApplication deadline:Dec 30 2009 (All day)Apply To
Contact name:David Farthing, Executive Director c/o Saint Paul UniversityLocation:Email:ed@youcan.caPhone:(877) 309-5969Fax:(613) 235-5801January 3rd – March 31st, 2010
Language: English Salary:
$180-$230 per day.
Location: Kingston, Ontario
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director, the incumbent will be responsible for co-training
RESPONSIBILITIES
• • •
Helping to deliver ongoing Peacebuilder training as per the project work plan. Training including mentorship and coaching of inmates. Help deliver awareness sessions for corrections staff
QUALIFICATIONS
The incumbent will have some familiarity with YOUCAN’s work as well as restorative justice approaches and methods. This person will also be able to work well independently, in a fast- paced environment. Specifically, the incumbent will have:
• Experience as a trainer of related content, preferably in a prison context • Relevant experience in the social services sector area preferably related to work in
prisons, conflict resolution training and mentoring • Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills • Strong presenter and communicator
• Strong networking & relationship-building skills: must have the ability to work cooperatively with staff, volunteers and associated non-profit or publicly funded groups, agencies and organizations
• Knowledge of conflict resolution and mentoring theory, principles and practices • Strong organizational skills • Outstanding listening skills • Creative problem-solving ability
• A strong interest in restorative justice and youth issues • The ability to contribute to a collegial, respectful and supportive office environment• Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Knowledge of standard office procedures and Apple computer skills are required • Ability to relate and work with staff, volunteers and inmates • Ability to work under pressure • Excellent time management and task prioritizing skills • Flexibility is essential to this position • Fluency in another language is an asset.
This position requires a great deal of flexibility. A preference will be given to candidates that have experience with social service agencies and
community groups. YOUCAN is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Interested parties may submit their resumes with a covering letter, quoting Co_Trainer, Prison Training Initiatives
Quality of Life Much Worse for Some Groups, Says New Institute Report
Source:Institute of Well BeingPeople with low incomes, Aboriginal peoples, racialized groups and youth are falling behind on key quality of life indicators, says a report released today by the Institute of Wellbeing, How are Canadians Really doing? A Closer Look at Select Groups. Women in poor neighbourhoods have 25% higher odds of having a premature birth; Aboriginal people are almost four times more likely to live in a crowded dwelling; visible minority or racialized groups are three times more likely to be poor due to low wages, social exclusion and racialization in the labour market; and earnings of young adults relative to other earners have been falling over the past 20 years. Click here for a fact sheet or download the full report.
Institute of Wellbeing | One Yonge Street, Suite 1508, Toronto ON M5E 1E5
Are We Doing Enough? A Status Report on Canadian Public Policy and Child and Youth Health
Source:Canadian Paediatric SocietySource material link:To encourage policy-makers to examine their own progress on child and youth issues and to foster discussion among Canadians, the Canadian Paediatric Society produces a biennial status report on public policy affecting children and youth.
This report examines how effectively Canada’s provinces, territories and the federal government are using their legislative powers to promote the health and safety of children and youth.
Anxiety / anti-stigma comic book
The Healthy Aboriginal Network
Non-profit promotion of health, literacy & wellness
Good day. Here is the latest update on our health and social literacy comic books.
Anxiety / child & youth mental health
In Just a Story, Wendy doesn’t have any friends her age and feels overwhelmed by her busy school. Her little brother is more social but he’s quick to lose his temper and get into fights. Something is clearly bothering them both. Find out how they’re open to getting help and breaking down the stigma of mental health.
Please send an email if you’re interested in previewing a low res PDF of any of our comic books. Pricing can be found atwww.thehealthyaboriginal.net.
Sean Muir
Executive Director
3945 West 51st Ave Vancouver, BC V6N 3V9
P 604-876-0243 sean@thehealthyaboriginal.net
