What is Building Safer Communities?
The Community Safety and Wellbeing plan consultations showed that alternate crisis response models are needed in our community. One way to address this need is through the Building Safer Communities (BSC) project.
Building Safer Communities (BSC) aims to reduce legal system involvement among African, Caribbean and Black-identifying, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and racialized youth. BSC supports community partners to improve safety and wellbeing through culturally appropriate mental health and addiction support and crisis response for Waterloo Region youth.
The overall goals are to:
- Decrease police and other first responder presence at mental health and addiction crises and redirect to trusted community health and social service providers.
- Create opportunities that prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system by prioritizing counselling, fostering skill development, and promoting recreational activities.
- Provide youth with culturally anchored and practical community-based support (e.g., services that understand and acknowledge the cultural needs and preferences of the communities being served, which may include land-based or arts-based therapy).
To receive updates on this project select the "+ Follow" button at the top of this page. If you have additional questions about this project or want to get involved contact buildingsafercommunities@regionofwaterloo.ca.
