New Youth Residential Centre Opens in Sydney

Cape Breton young people and their families now have access to more services and supports thanks to a new residential and outreach centre in Sydney.

Comhla Cruinn (pronounced Khon-la Kraine) is a $1-million centre, funded by the Department of Community Services, that officially opened today, March 15. The centre was built for the Cape Breton- Victoria Children's Aid Society and will offer many services, focussing on children and youth at risk of abuse or neglect, and their families.

"Young people and their families sometimes need additional supports," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "The new and enhanced services offered through Comhla Cruinn will be there for Cape Breton families, whether they need residential support or outreach services. This innovative approach to delivering child welfare services will benefit families and foster a stronger network of support for young people in the community."

Comhla Cruinn's services will enable families to more actively participate in planning and decision-making. The centre will co- ordinate its services with schools, home-based programs and day- program activities.

"Working together with the province, the municipality, and other community organizations has really helped channel our energy towards the young people who require our services," said Jack Coffin, board president of the Cape Breton-Victoria Children's Aid Society. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of many people, we now have a new centre that can offer more outreach support to youth and their families."

A Gaelic term meaning "gathered together", Comhla Cruinn links the departments of Community Services, Health, Education and Justice with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Cape Breton's Network for Children and Youth. This redesign of residential care in the province is part of a regional commitment to improve services for youth.

The new centre, located on Cossitt Heights Drive, is part of the Cape Breton-Victoria Children's Aid Society's range of services that include home-based support, foster care, residential care and a parent counsellor program.