Youth Outreach Toronto Program

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (March 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:

Purpose:

This report provides updated information on the Youth Outreach Toronto Program (Attachment No.1) and makes recommendations regarding program funding.

Funding Sources:

Youth Outreach Toronto is funded at approximately 78 percent by Human Resources Development Canada (H.R.D.C.), and 22 percent by the City of Toronto.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that, subject to Federal and Municipal budget approval:

(1)authority be granted to the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services to enter into an agreement with Human Resources Development Canada to renew operations of the Youth Outreach Toronto Program up to March 31, 2000;

(2)the total cost of the program not to exceed $331,300.00 and City of Toronto's contribution to the program for 1999 not to exceed $72,996.00 net;

(3)the program's name be changed to Youth Outreach Toronto to be more reflective of the City of Toronto's recent amalgamation; and

(4)the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference:

Youth Outreach Toronto has operated under contract with the Federal Government for 16 years. The program is designed to assist youth who may be unable to access mainstream programs and services, and especially those who have otherwise given up in their frustrated efforts to find training, education and job opportunities. Youth served include those in receipt of social assistance, homeless persons, hostel residents and early school leavers.

Comments:

The program is contracted by Human Resources Development Canada to link youth to community-based and government-sponsored employment, training, education and stabilization programs. The program has consistently satisfied the Federal performance objectives. In 1998, Youth Outreach made over 5,000 interventions and services were provided to approximately 1,000 new youth cases. This activity resulted in over 2,000 placements in employment, training, educational programs and personal counselling services.

Conclusion:

The Department is seeking the authority to renew the agreement to deliver the program. The funding required for the 1999/2000 fiscal year is flat-lined at 1996 levels.

Funds for the program are included in the Department's 1999 Operating Budget.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Heather MacVicar

General Manager

Tel: 392-8952

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Attachment No.1

1998 Youth Outreach Statistical Information

Introduction:

Youth Outreach clients face multiple barriers to employment. Generally speaking, these youth have few skills, low educational achievement and a host of other barriers including health issues, lack of stable housing, high levels of illiteracy and extremely poor or non-existent work histories.

Staff provide counselling, information and referral services to help prepare these youth to approach the labour market. Referrals are made based on client need, with the intention of stabilizing these youth so that they can be reintegrated into the community.

*Not all youth are not ready to commit to an action plan. Counselling services are provided until these youth are ready to participate.

**More than half of the youth served require multiple interventions. This includes referral to counselling and stabilization services prior to seeking employment.