The Trailcross Youth Treatment Centre has signed a new contract to stay in Fort Smith. Teenagers in the NWT experiencing social, emotional, and behavioural issues will still have a place to be given treatment and therapy after last month’s closure. The program is expected to continue in January 2019.
The contract was signed by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority and the Treatment Centre will be operated by SHIFT (formerly known as Atlantic Youth). They will provide youth programming that includes experiential programming through the lens of trauma-informed practice. Counselling will also be provided as well as traditional cultural knowledge.
Trailcross is the only residential youth treatment facility in the NWT and getting this contract helps ensure quality care and services are available for NWT youth says Sue Cullen, CEO of the NTHSSA.
“Trailcross provides an important service for NWT youth and securing an operator for this facility was a high priority for the NTHSSA. We look forward to working with SHIFT and partnering to provide quality care, services, and programming to youth from across the NWT.”
The contract with SHIFT began November 1st and they immediately began making facility improvements, training their staff, and getting familiar with the community. The duration of the contract is for three years with the option of a two-year renewal.
Trailcross is an eight-bed residential treatment program for teenagers aged 12 to 18 from the NWT who are experiencing social, emotional and behavioural issues. SHIFT has also announced that if any teenagers need access to these types of services during the setup period, they will be accommodated.
SHIFT currently operates group homes in Nunavut and provides workshops and training across Canada.
