11 and Under Initiative (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Saskatchewan

City/ Region:

Regina

Description of Initiative:

The 11 and Under Initiative (11UI) is targeted at children exposed to risk factors that may increase their tendency to engage in unhealthy behavior. By identifying these children early in their life and addressing the challenges faced by their families, the goal is to make appropriate connections and referrals for children to optimize their health, safety and development.

Initiative Key Objectives:

The 11UI has several key objectives:

• improving the communication and collaboration among service providers to strengthen the early idenification of challenges among children and their families;
• creating a process to provide seamless referrals to the appropriate service provider(s);
• early identification of family members demonstrating behaviour that may put them or the other family members at risk; and
• connecting children and families with appropriate services and programs.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

Community Services Division

Key Contact:

mjarocki@police.regina.sk.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

• community groups
• private agencies/corporations
• other government departments/agencies
• other: connected with Dr. Bruce Perry of Child Trauma Academy, Texas

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

The 11UI is a collaborative partnership aimed at supporting children under the age of 11 who are exhibiting behaviour that puts them at risk for criminal involvement or who are at increased risk for victimization.

Steering Committee:

• Regina Public School Board—Superintendent
• Regina Catholic School Board—Superintendent
• Ministry of Social Services—Service Manager
• Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR) Child and Youth Mental Health Services—Manager
• RQHR Mental Health and Addiction Services—Manager
• Regina Police Service
• Superintendent CSD
• Crime Prevention Strategist
• Sgt. i/c of Community Programs
• Early Intervention Officer

• Regina Public School Board—Supervisor, Intensive Supports
• Regina Catholic School Board—Assistant Superintendent
• Ministry of Social Services—Supervisor Protection/Child Care
• RQHR Child and Youth Mental Health Services—Randall Kinship Centre Program Manager
• RQHR Mental Health and Addiction Services—Team Leader Youth Programs
• City of Regina Sports and Recreation Branch—Coordinator of Program Services
• Ehrlo Counselling Services—Cognitive Disabilities Consultant
• Ehrlo Sport Venture Program—Program Coordinator
• Regina Police Service—Early Intervention Officer

• high school addictions counsellors
• school counsellors
• Child & Youth representative
• Mental Health & Addiction Services representative
• Regina Police Service—relevant School Resource Officer
• other relevant community-based organizations / service providers

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

Since 2008, the Regional Intersectoral Committee (RIC) has been focusing its efforts on the determinants of community well-being, often referred to as the root causes of crime. In 2009, conversations at the RIC table suggested that the focus be narrowed to two specific determinants based on community priorities: housing and early childhood years. The RIC membership felt it important to support these areas of priority and put in place committed resources to further this work. In the fall of 2009, data was released showing that Regina children are behind their Saskatchewan peers in early development. One in three kindergarten children in Regina were found to be behind in at least one important aspect of their development. This research is based on scientific evidence that shows how early childhood development can affect people for the rest of their lives. Armed with this data and the identified need to focus on early childhood in our community, the Regina Police Service responded. Utilizing the Understanding Early Childhood Years survey data and the research compiled by the Regina Police Service, in 2009 an early intervention initiative designed to address risk factors in children under the age of 11 (factors placing them at an elevated risk of deviant behaviour) was developed. A proposal was provided to the Regina Police Service Executive for approval. During the developmental stages of the initiative, conversations occurred with key community and government stakeholders who would become instrumental in the delivery of this collaborative initiative. Logistics were dealt with, including confidentiality (with families and among service providers), consent form development, reporting structures, data gathering and strategic planning, and in January 2011 referrals began.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

The Regina Police Service recognizes that tackling deeply rooted social issues cannot be undertaken independently. As such, a strong emphasis is placed on collaborative approaches that take a multi‐sectoral process to address issues. Combining efforts with others who share responsibility for issues has cost-saving implications for all stakeholders involved both immediately and, more notably, in the long term.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

Initial costs included:

• in-kind time for researching (one Regina Police Service constable, full-time for five months);
• one full-time constable (11UI Officer);
• one funded inititative coordinator (Ministry of Social Services); and
• initiative support dollars (Ministry of Education).

• Community Elders
• City of Regina Sports and Recreation Branch
• Ehrlo Counseling Services & Ehrlo Sport Venture
• Ministry of Social Services
• Open Door Society
• RQHR Child and Youth Mental Health Services—Randall Kinship Centre
• RQHR Mental Health and Addiction Services
• Regina Catholic School Board
• Regina Public School Board
• Regina Police Service
• YMCA
• YWCA

Method of Implementation:

The initiative began as a pilot project for the first year, functioning only with the dedicated 11UI Officer and partner stakeholders. The 11UI Coordinator was added in May 2012.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

With the assistance of an external evaluator, we intend to gather data on the indicators
reflecting each of the above outcomes.

The following outcomes and indicators were tracked (draft):

Pro-social engagement:

• increase in pro-social activities (e.g., sports, before/after-school programs); and
• connection of “at-risk” families with pro-social services.

• increased school attendance and engagement; and
• more children staying in school.

• reduced service gaps for children and families; and
• fewer children in care, fewer families needing social assistance.

• more evidence of effective parenting;
• safer, more stable home environments; and
• stronger family structures.

• reduced involvement with the criminal justice system; and
• reduced anti-social/criminal behaviour.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

Yes

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

We are in the initial stages of a communication strategy. Key messages:

• A collaborative early intervention initiative for children 11 and under and their families.
• Appropriate connections and referrals for children to optimize their health, safety and development through improved communication and collaboration among service providers.

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

• summative
• external
• quantitative
• qualitative

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

No

Summary of the Outcomes:

Anecdotal feedback has been received from stakeholder organizations and families, as well as statistical data on files, but we have not formally compiled uniform data into an evaluation.

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

• Efficiencies within Police Services
• New Models of Community Safety

Further Details:

N/A

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

In August 2009, Regina Police Service Chief Hagen was invited by the Child Development Institute of Ottawa to involve Regina Police Service as one of four policing agencies to pilot an early intervention assessment tool, EARL‐PC. These best practice research- and evidence-based assessment tools were utilized to shape the 11UI.

Record Entry Date:

2013-08-01