Gun and Gang Prevention Strategy

Evidence shows the importance of children's well-being in shaping who they are, how they behave and what they do as adults. The ways children grow up and develop physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively leave deep impressions. Child well-being manifests itself in adults' health, job opportunities, family life and relationships.

The best way to reduce crime in a community is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Crime prevention methods are a cost-saving measure and help everyone in the community. However, can't be done by law enforcement alone.

Our strategy

Our 2023-2026 strategy focuses on working with youth to reduce their vulnerability to involvement in crime.

Youth involvement in crime is a complex issue that has not one easy solution. Through the community developed Gun and Gan Prevention Strategy, we aim to reduce and prevent youth involvement in crime by:

  • Using data to highlight areas where we can invest and apply proven prevention programs
  • Listening to the voices of staff, community members and those with lived expertise in youth crime involvement
  • Investing in our young people's well-being and resilience to create greater benefits for the community

Building safer communities and community safety and well-being

The Gun and Gang Prevention Strategy is part of the Building Safer Communities Grant Program. Supported by Public Safety Canada, the program funds community-based prevention initiatives for youth at risk of gun and gang involvement for two years (January 2024 to December 2025). Nine community agencies are funded through our local grant program.

Areas of focus and actions for preventing crime

Ten areas of focus were identified as opportunities for targeted investment to support youth at-risk and include programs which:

  • Increase emotional regulation skills or the social-emotional competency for children and their parents
  • Increase positive attachment to school and improve access to post-secondary education
  • Prevent youth homelessness
  • Support the early identification and treatment of mental health concerns for children and youth
  • Provide opportunities for mentoring and connection to positive peers or caring adults
  • Develop youth conflict resolution skills and / or enable alternative dispute resolution
  • Connect Indigenous youth and their families with traditional healing and cultural activities
  • Provide substance use / addiction treatment for youth
  • Intervene in or prevent youth involvement in human trafficking
  • Support Black and racialized youth with a positive sense of community belonging
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