| Purpose : |
The purpose of this project is to develop an ACCA (Afro-Canadian Caribbean Association) Children's Support Program. The goal of the program is to develop skills, attitudes and behaviours in Black and Caribbean children (in Hamilton) from the ages of 7 through 12 that will decrease violent behaviour and result in resiliency to gang involvement. Research shows that preventing youth violence involves a multi-pronged approach, working with both children and their parents. The ACCA will hire a therapeutic clinician to coordinate the program, provide counselling, and provide family and parental support. The Intervention Consultant will provide outreach to and accept referrals from community members, from community partners, stakeholders, and related crime prevention sector organizations such as: the Police, Children's Aid, education, and the youth justice sector.
The project includes the development of a culturally appropriate weekly psycho-education and recreational program for children at-risk of violence, which will focus on issues relevant to preventing violence and gang involvement. Activities will include techniques to strengthen the development of social skills, learning effective alternatives to violence, fostering anti-violence attitudes and beliefs, and prevent bullying. This weekly group will be assisted by two facilitators who are experienced in children's learning, anti-violence education and are experienced in working with and within the Black/Caribbean community. The program themes will address understanding emotions that can lead to conflict, dealing with racism, messages in the media and peer pressure, and the ramifications of gang and gun violence on communities, families and victims. The project will integrate the use of multi-media, popular culture, as well as role-play and other group activities.
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