On this, the international Day of Pink - a day of celebrating diversity and for standing up against bullying, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia in our schools, workplaces and our communities - it's only fitting to have reflection from someone who's been there.

It costs a lot of money to provide treatment in a residential facility for children facing mental health issues. For a typical 6 - 8 month stay, costs can range from $20,000 to $38,400. But Social Work professors at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) found that after spending these resources, it still doesn't seem to provide enough support to help kids transition from the treatment program back to their normal lives.

"A Community Fit for Children Interim Update: Results of the 2010 Early Development Instrument and Kindergarten Parent Survey for Waterloo Region" was shared with members of the Alliance for Children and Youth at its most recent meeting.

As someone lucky enough to be a mere observer of the criminal justice system and not a participant, my curiosity was peaked when I heard a young offender (let's call him Henry) speak about his experiences and the wisdom gained as a result.

The Interrupters, has been getting a LOT of press lately. That's not why I'm writing about it here as the 'Smart Link of the Day'. I'm writing about this film because it showcases the absolutely innovative approach of Chicago's Ceasefire program to curb gun related shootings and killings in that city.

Last year, I wrote about Judge Jimmie Edwards and the creative, down-to-earth work he does to reach out and catch the most vulnerable youth falling through the system in St. Louis, Missouri. He started his own school, run by his youth court, and gives youth another chance to get life back on track, and earn a high school diploma.

Just to be upfront, I am a small 'l' liberal on some issues and a small 'c' conservative with others, a parent, a middle child with a weakness for mystery novels, Clint Eastwood movies and lots of other descriptors that aren't that unique. I may be in the minority in society but am in the majority of those who vote.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the Safe Streets and Communities Act - Part Two

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the Safe Streets and Communities Act - Part One

Whatever stereotypes you might have about youth and drugs and alcohol...... just put them aside for the moment. Youth, like any other group in our community, are affected by drugs and alcohol. While many will experiment with this or that drug and drinking, still more are motivated to use because of physical and/or emotional pain until it becomes a problem. How to help? How to intervene? How to prevent? 

One of the best ways to better understand and address the issues and challenges facing youth and substance use is to learn from them.