StreetReach Succeeding in Protection of Northern Youth

This release was originally published by the Manitoba government on October 5, 2021. You can find the original release here: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=52578&posted=2021-10-05

THOMPSON — The Manitoba government is supporting a successful approach to preventing sexual exploitation and helping to protect youth at risk in Thompson and surrounding regions, Families Minister Rochelle Squires and Justice Minister Cameron Friesen announced here today.

“Our government understands that protection of high-risk youth calls for a multidisciplinary approach with professionals from a variety of fields working together and with communities,” said Squires. “This is why we invested more than $2.1 million to re-establish StreetReach North in Thompson in 2019. A great deal has been accomplished since then and I am pleased to provide an update on the success of this community-specific program.”

The StreetReach model brings together representatives of child welfare agencies, law enforcement and non-governmental organizations to protect children and youth at high risk of violent victimization through the sex trade. The group works together to:

• prevent children and youth from running away from home or other residences;

• prevent sexual abuse and exploitation;

• redirect runaway children to stop them from becoming victims; and

• intervene with those who exploit young, high-risk victims.

StreetReach North focuses on creating opportunities to build and strengthen cultural connections and community, bridging gaps in services and strengthening partnerships among stakeholders to address mental health and addictions

In 2019, the Manitoba government announced a one-time investment of $124,000 to re-establish the program in Thompson, as well as annual funding of more than $2 million over three years. StreetReach North is now operating out of the Macdonald Youth Services Safe House, which enables the team to build relationships there.

“Our youth are a critical part of Thompson’s present and its future. They deserve compassionate and accessible care when they are in crisis, and we are thrilled to hear that the expanded StreetReach program has been a success so far,” said Mayor Colleen Smook, City of Thompson. “The councillors and I appreciate that our community is on the cusp of fulfilling our mission to improve the lifestyle of all northerners. Thanks to our partners in the government and to service and support agencies, as they have made this a reality.”

In addition to Macdonald Youth Services and the City of Thompson, key partners include the Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba and the RCMP.

“Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba has partnered with the StreetReach program since 2020 and it has been a privilege to be a part of an important program in the north,” said Patricia Spence, child abuse co-ordinator, Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba. “We have not only made positive connections with our youth, but we have been able to assist in stabilizing them and they now have someone they can trust and turn to in stressful times.”

“StreetReach gives high-risk youth the opportunity to connect with front-line support workers when they are in personal crisis, and ensures they receive timely assistance and guidance to sustain their overall health and well-being,” said Chris Hastie, acting commander, Manitoba RCMP North District. “The program continues to be a success in Thompson, which has resulted in fewer runaway youth calls to police while ensuring youth are safeguarded from crime and other pressing social issues.” From June 2020 to August 2021, StreetReach North helped return 473 children and youth to their placements or places of safety and made 2,458 relationship-building contacts with youth.

“The statistics highlight the phenomenal work and success of this specialized and dedicated resource for children and youth,” said Friesen. “The long-standing partnership between StreetReach, RCMP, the City of Thompson and the community has been instrumental in responding quickly to at-risk and high-risk youth. We thank all of our partners for their efforts to keep youth safe.”

StreetReach is part of Tracia’s Trust, the Manitoba government’s strategy to prevent sexual exploitation of children and youth. The ministers noted the investments build on the Tracia’s Trust strategy and recommendations made by the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, and by the VIRGO report.

For more information on StreetReach, visit www.gov.mb.ca/fs/traciastrust/street_reach.html. The StreetReach North expansion was funded through the Canada-Manitoba Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Services Funding Agreement (2019-2022) and supports stronger mental health and addictions services in Manitoba, the ministers noted.