Seeing Oneself will provide youth workers with a new tool to assist those struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, says Minister of Environment, Labour and Justice and Attorney General Janice Sherry.

“Anytime we can introduce a new tool for our staff to help Island youth in need, it is a good thing,” said Minister Sherry. “Youth Justice Services staff in all three counties, along with four Youth Addiction Services staff, have completed the Seeing Oneself required training and certification. They are currently in the process of identifying youth who would most benefit from this new program.”

The Seeing Oneself Program is an evidence-based curriculum that assists youth to understand their own thinking and behaviours and thus take responsibility for one’s self. It is tailored to specific personality characteristics in youth and aims to help youth understand and address factors driving their substance abuse. There is a direct correlation between substance abuse, among youth, and involvement in criminal behaviour. The Seeing Oneself Program is designed to reduce the individual’s substance usage by helping them to create positive life skills and make positive life choices.

Youth workers will be able to deliver the program both in group settings, as well as one-on-one when seen as beneficial.

The Department of Environment, Labour and Justice will support the delivery of the program including the purchasing of required manuals, workbooks and other resources.