HERITAGE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Published purpose

The “Scarborough Youth ReStart Initiative (SYRI)” is a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, rehabilitation and restorative justice program that aims to support Black and racialized youth aged 12–17 in Scarborough who are involved with the criminal justice system, gang-involved and/or currently being dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Over three years, the program will directly engage 180 youth (60 per year) through structured restorative justice activities that provide meaningful alternatives to detention, foster accountability, and support long-term reintegration into the community. Additionally, it utilizes evidence-informed alternatives to detention and incarceration, focusing on personal responsibility, addressing systemic issues and community integration for youth violent offenders. The program focuses on rehabilitation, reintegration, and accountability. It seeks to address the underlying social and systemic factors faced by racialized youth, such as poverty, racism, trauma, and community violence, that contribute to youth offending, while helping participants develop the skills, confidence, and support necessary to build positive, crime-free futures. Participants will be empowered to take responsibility for their actions, repair harm, and develop pro-social attitudes and life skills that promote lasting change.