NEW YOUTH FACILITY OPENS ITS DOORS

The 4 Directions residential facility for at-risk youth held it's grand opening today on the Muskowekwan First Nation.

The co-ed facility provides 20 residential spaces for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 16 to receive stabilization and assessment services. Children and youth served by 4 Directions have experienced repeated breakdown in the foster care system and require stabilization before returning to the community.

"We are very proud to partner with 4 Directions Child and Family Services Inc. and the Muskowekwan First Nation to deliver these important services on reserve," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This new facility will provide a stable environment so that these young people can get the education and programming they need to change their lives for the better."

"This funding demonstrates the government's commitment to working in true partnership with First Nations people," Muskowekwan Chief Reg Bellerose said. "We will now be able to provide these children and youth with a safe place to heal so they can return to their families and community. With these two 10-bed homes now completed, this important program will be sustained well into the future."

The Government of Saskatchewan provided $1 million in capital funding toward the $3.91 milllion dollar project, while the Muskowekwan First Nation and 4 Directions Child and Family Services funded the remaining $2.91 million with financing obtained through Peace Hills Trust.

The facility provides in-house recreation, education and cultural programming. Once stabilized, engagement with family, recreation and community takes place, with the objective of placing the youth in an environment where they can succeed. The stabilization and assessment process can take between four and six months.

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For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916
Email: trish.alcorn@gov.sk.ca