At-Risk Youth Initiatives
At-risk youth are youth who have not committed a crime but who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime.
B.C. has a number of initiatives that support at-risk youth and help to prevent future crime. They are undertaken by community organizations, police and government. Some initiatives include:
- recreational opportunities;
- counselling and support;
- gang exiting support;
- violence prevention workshops;
- awareness workshops;
- empowerment; and
- skill training for girls.
Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention
The Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division of the Ministry of Justice is committed to developing and distributing information to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children and youth in B.C.
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation of children and youth under 18 is any type of sexual activity with children and youth in exchange for money, drugs, food, shelter or any other considerations. Whether or not children or youth believe they are agreeing to the activity sexual exploitation of children and youth is never considered prostitution or consensual.
For more information on efforts to stop sexual exploitation of children and youth, visit Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth - PSSG.
To learn more about sexual exploitation, visit Sexual Assault - Crime Examples and Sexual Assault - Resources by Crime Type.
Youth Gang and Bullying Prevention
The provincial government supports eight communities across B.C. to provide prevention services for youth at risk of gang involvement. Activities include developing community action plans, counselling support and referrals, recreational opportunities and awareness education.
The Youth Against Violence Line is a resource and referral line for youth to report crime or seek information, support and referrals. Some issues the line helps address are bullying prevention, theft and assault.
Provincial Initiatives
To learn more about some of the many provincial initiatives to help support you in B.C., please visit:
- Community Action Teams - PSSG - develops local approaches to reduce prostitution and sexual abuse.
- Community Action and Assessment Networks - PSSG - brings communities together to prevent youth gang involvement.
