Gabriola Island

The Youth Service Program (YSP) provides outreach-based services, with outreach workers connecting with youth in the community, at school, residence or at the YSP office. Every youth is unique, and the nature of YSP involvement reflects an approach that is tailored to the needs of the youth and family served. This is accomplished by through outreach support and counselling activities that promote healthy functioning within the home and community. Support is provided to youth who have experienced significant concerns, have been identified as vulnerable, and/or have been referred by a social worker with the MCFD.

Program Features:

• A counseling approach that is tailored to the needs of the youth served
• Activity based work with youth in the community 
• No fees, as program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development 
• Provides service in Nanaimo and Ladysmith

What to Expect
YSP is designed to deliver outreach support to improve the safety and stability of youth. The program will provide outreach, support, liaison, harm reduction, and advocacy while working with youth. Intervention will be designed to stabilize a youth's connection to family, care providers and healthy community resources. YSP aims to establish supportive and trusting relationships that promote positive choices for a healthier lifestyle, support their reconnection, stability, and attachment to family, caregivers, culture, community resources and services.

Eligibility & How to Access

• Program is intended for youth age 12 - 18 years old
• Youth must be a resident of Nanaimo or Ladysmith in order ot access YSP
• A referral is required from the MCFD youth team (providers see below) in order to access YSP.