Photo courtesy of Manfred Joehnck
Getting to kids before they get into serious trouble is the focus of a Regina program called TRiP, which is short for, “The Regina Intersectoral Partnership.”
The concept was developed ten years ago, and is showing remarkable success. The latest two-year evaluation was released today at the Mamaweyatitan Centre in Regina.
Dr. Chad Nilson, a social scientist, conducted the extensive two-year evaluation. He says TRiP has done what no other program before it has ever accomplished. It is a coordinated approach, involving schools, police, justice, social services and other agencies who connect with families who are having trouble with their children.
They collectively deal with issues like school absenteeism, substance abuse, behavioral problems, and gangs. Sixty-three percent of the children involved showed a major improvement in behaviour. Dr. Nilson says the program is reducing crime, rebuilding fractured families and improving the outcomes for at-risk children.
“What this is, is an opportunity to say, look, if you are willing to commit to change and willing to commit to these supports, we are willing to do everything in our power to help you engage in those services, engage in those supports and start to change. We will help you change things for your family.” he said. “This is a much different approach than we have seen in the last 20 years.”
TRiP Coordinator, Lance Dudar, helped develop the program when he was a police superintendent 10 years ago. He says TRiP has performed beyond expectations.
“You know, a 50 per cent reduction in contact with police for these young folks, so that’s pretty significant, so is it having an impact? Absolutely,” he said.
Two First Nations, Ochapowace and Muskoday, are looking at implementing the program on their reserves.
Some of the key findings of the evaluation say 49 per cent of the children became involved in pro-social community activities, 54 per cent had reduced concerns about their parents, 63 per cent showed an improvement in behaviour, 64 per cent of the children with poor school attendance, showed major improvements and 82 per cent of the at-risk children showed a moderate to strong reduction of vulnerability to behaviour that would get them into trouble.