Our youth are our future, but they are also at risk when it comes to crime and community safety. That’s why they are an important priority for Crime Prevention Ottawa.

We support evidence-based research and programs for youth – from healthy relationships to gender-based violence, our Paint it Up! mural program, and community-based workshops. Our work to implement the Ottawa Street Violence and Gang Strategy is helping youth and giving their families the support they need through programs offered by our strategy partners.

We also serve as a community broker, bringing together partners across the city to address crime and safety issues affecting our youth.

Connecting youth-serving agencies

Crime Prevention Ottawa actively works to bring together youth-serving organizations. Together, we address crime and safety issues that affect our city’s young residents – from street violence to homework clubs and community-based initiatives.

We sit on a wide range of committees to bring a crime prevention and community safety perspective to planning and implementing initiatives for youth. We also host public events that connect service providers and focus on finding solutions to support our youth.

Time for Change (T4C)

T4C is an initiative designed to help anyone impacted by street violence. It provides support and services – including education, employment, housing and mentorship – based on the needs and circumstances of each individual and their family.

Learn more

Homework clubs

We provide funding to the Homework Club Community of Practice to support homework clubs across the city. This group falls under the umbrella of the Ottawa Child and Youth Initiative’s Critical Hours Task Group.

We’ve also funded the Amazing Youth Worker’s race. This event brings together youth workers to learn about useful community resources in a fun environment.

Ottawa Child & Youth Initiative

The Ottawa Child and Youth Initiative – Growing Up Great (OCYI) is a collaboration of over 80 community organizations and agencies who are helping children and youth in Ottawa to reach their full potential.

The OCYI believes that families, schools, neighbourhoods, communities and governments all have a role to play in developing children and youth.

Its values include:

  • Making decisions based on evidence
  • Collaborating to maximize impact
  • Planning and deciding together
  • Pooling resources and strategizing for growth
  • The fundamental rights of all children and youth as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Critical Hours Task Group

The OCYI’s Critical Hours Task Group aims to improve social and academic outcomes for children and youth. Its programs are based on three foundational pillars:

  • Skill development
  • Safe and supportive spaces
  • Positive relationships

Homework Club Community of Practice

Homework Club Community of Practice is overseen by the Critical Hours Task Group. It aims to establish and support best practices for after school programs across Ottawa.

The project brings together frontline staff, managers and volunteers at interactive and engaging sessions. Here, they learn about tools, practices and community resources.

Social media

Crime Prevention Ottawa has developed a Social media cootie catcher for kids 8 – 12. This interactive tool gives tips to help youth stay safe on various social media platforms. The associated social media tip sheet offers information to help parents understand how the platforms work and what to watch for.