Our Partners...

Our Goal...

• To increase protective factors and promote resiliency.
• To decrease risk factors related to addictions, mental health and criminal behaviours.
• To promote quality of life and healthy levels of functioning in major life areas.
• To promote alternative choices and healthy activities.

We Provide...

• Group & Individual counseling
• Addictions specific treatment
• Criminal offense specific treatment 
• Mental health specific treatment
• Life skills 
• Social skills training 
• Transition planning
• Recreational programming

Referrals:

Referrals are primarily received from young offender centres. A strong working relationship has been developed with Edmonton and Calgary Young Offender Centres and their understanding of therapeutic issues ensures that referrals are adequately prepared for the treatment process. However, the program is a provincial resource and could also receive recommended referrals from court or probation. Consideration may be given on a case by case basis for youth serving a community sentence or youth serving a Custody and Supervision Order of less than ninety days. Youth referred for admission must meet community safety criteria, be assessed for treatment need, and demonstrate a readiness for change. A period of detoxification from substances is also required.

Arrangements are made to interview youth upon receiving a completed referral form, available presentence reports, court ordered psychological reports, police reports and other pertinent collateral information. All referrals complete a client guided interview conducted by Bridges staff via telephone or on site visit. In addition to assessing appropriateness for Bridges, this process also ensures that potential residents have the opportunity to “interview” the program and gain an understanding of the treatment expectations and commitment required. Program admissions are then determined in consultation with the treatment team.

Admissions Critieria...

Eligibility:

• Those youth referred for admission to this program must:
• Meet community safety criteria
• Be assessed for treatment need
• Demonstrate need and readiness for treatment
• Have a custody and supervision sentence (preferably 90 days or more). Consideration on a case by case basis may be given for youth serving a community sentence.

Process:

• The suitability of the candidate is determined by the Group Home Director in consultation with other members of the treatment team
• Referrals should include pre-sentence reports and any pertinent collateral treatment information
• Admissions will be determined case by case