A two-day workshop on current issues facing adolescents was held in Charlottetown this week. Expert presenters explored the experiences of sexual minority youth in our communities, strategies for intervening with youth who self-harm and the process of grieving and healing. Over 200 staff and students from youth serving agencies across the province attended the Summit, including representatives from addictions, mental health, education, police, social services, colleges and non-government organizations, among others.
“I believe that it is a priority to engage, collaborate and work more efficiently inside government in working with our youth,” said Attorney General Doug W. Currie. “All youth should have the opportunity to reach their full potential within our one Island community.”
The Youth Summit 2010 was hosted by the Community and Correctional Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General and Public Safety, with the generous financial support of Justice Canada. It was planned by an interdepartmental committee, with representatives from Education and Early Childhood Development; Health and Wellness; Community Services, Seniors and Labour; and the Office of the Attorney General and Public Safety, and the event was coordinated by the John Howard Society of PEI.
“I was very pleased to see so many participants representing not only various government departments, but also police services and non-government organizations,” said Minister Currie. “There are no simple solutions to the many challenges faced by today’s young people. However, this Summit is a great example of what can be achieved when government departments and service providers work together to help Island youth reach their full potential.”
The Summit also provided an opportunity for the public to hear Bill Ryan, an expert on issues related to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth population, homophobia, and related mental health concerns, give a community presentation entitled Youth Challenges in Dealing With Sexual Orientation Issues. This important event was attended by over 50 youth, parents, grandparents, and interested community members.
This Summit is one of a series of training opportunities held in recent years for staff of youth serving agencies. These events have been made possible with the financial support of Justice Canada and the collaborative effort of provincial government departments. Plans are already underway for Youth Summit 2011.