Youth to Benefit From New Residential Centre

Young people and families in the Cape Breton area will soon benefit from the services of Comhla Cruinn (pronounced Ka-Wa Kreene), a new residential centre in Sydney.

The new $1-million centre is funded by the Department of Community Services and will be built in the Cossitt Heights area of Sydney. It is being built with the needs of young people in mind and is adopting some of the best design features of community-based residences in Canada. Residential and enhanced outreach services will focus on children and youth at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.

At a sod-turning event held today, July 15, Community Services Minister David Morse, representatives of the Children's Aid Society of Cape Breton-Victoria, various partners and members of the community gathered to celebrate the opening of the new centre.

"Community Services is pleased to support the children and youth served by the Cape Breton-Victoria Children's Aid Society," said Mr. Morse. "Comhla Cruinn will offer the services that currently exist in Cape Breton in addition to a variety of new outreach supports that will make a difference in the lives of young Cape Bretoners and their families. This beautiful new building and enhanced programming will be here for families and children when they need it most."

The facility's name was selected through a contest that invited submissions by youth in care and child-welfare staff. The selected name of the centre is a Gaelic term meaning gathered together. Construction is expected to be complete by the summer of 2005.

"Today's sod turning is a pivotal and exciting time for everyone who cares for the welfare of children and youth in Cape Breton," said Marie Boone, executive director of the Children's Aid Society of Cape Breton-Victoria. "This new facility is the culmination of a great deal of work on the part of many people across the province. Now, our sights are set on an innovative and inviting new residential facility and a broader range of outreach services for young people and their families."

The redesign of the Children's Aid Society's residential services is intended to achieve better outcomes for youth at risk of neglect and abuse. The services will focus on families, including them from the beginning, in the planning of services and sharing in decision-making. A new outreach component will be offered that will enable trained youth workers to collaborate with schools and be more involved in home-based services and day-program activities.

This new facility is part of the Children's Aid Society of Cape Breton-Victoria's continuum of care that includes home-based support, foster care, residential care and a parent counsellor program. The construction of this new residence reflects the government's commitment to providing improved care and support for youth and families in need.

The redesign of residential care in the province is part of a regional commitment to improved services for youth. The province

• through the departments of Community Services, Health, Education and Justice -- the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the Network for Children and Youth (which includes about 35 agencies in Cape Breton and eastern Nova Scotia), have joined forces to improve the quality of services that children on Cape Breton Island receive.