recently completed evaluation study has identified and confirmed the benefits of the
Community Service Support Program (CSSP) developed and administered by MYS. In the
spring of 1999, MYS contracted The Project Group Community Cooperative Limited (TPG)
to conduct an independent evaluation of the CSSP. The study was made possible through
the United Way of Winnipeg Response Fund. In addition to generating statistical
information on the effectiveness of the CSSP, the study focused on identifying the
tangible benefits, strengths and successes of the program.The CSSP was developed by MYS in 1994, in order to provide enhanced support to youth who receive Community Service Orders (CSO) from the courts. The program was designed particularly for youth who are at high risk of failing to complete their CSOs. The |
CSSP makes optimal use of three important and unique strengths to achieve its
objectives: an enhanced level of staff supervision and support; the use of volunteer
adult mentors; and the creation of youth- friendly worksite environments. Under the program, CSSP staff provide a high level of support to participating youth. They also provide orientation, training and support to volunteer adult mentors. Additionally, the CSSP staff coordinate and maintain effective communication between youth, mentors, corrections staff, and worksite providers. The TPG study found that all participants attributed much of the success of the program to the efforts and accessibility of the CSSP staff. The use of volunteer adult mentors has been identified as a critical factor in the success of the CSSP. The study reported that mentors provided important guidance and |
Volunteer Adult Mentor works alongside youth completing court - ordered community service hours.
environment, but also contributed to the enjoyment of the work experience. A youth-friendly worksite environment was identified as a third major strength. CSSP worksites provided a diverse choice of possible environments for CSO participants. All worksites allowed youth to make a meaningful and considerable contribution to community organizations. The five CSSP worksites at the time of this study consisted of: Winnipeg Harvest where youth filled food bank orders; Riverview Health Centre where youth facilitated an evening recreational program for clients; Winnipeg Humane Society animal shelter where youth groomed, exercised and cared for dogs; City of Winnipeg Anti-Graffiti Program where youth participated in graffiti removal; and UNICEF Manitoba where youth collected donations
INSIDEVirtual Volunteer Action ................. Page 3 One MYS Volunteer�s Story ...... Pages 4,5 Executive Director�s Comments .... Page 6,7 Jessie James Ranch Picnic ............. Page 7 Alternative Parent Home Program .. Page 8 |
acted as positive role models for participating youth. A youth survey found that a strong majority of participants felt that mentors made a positive difference to the successful completion of their CSOs. Mentors not only shared their knowledge and skills in the worksite |