A drug abuse prevention program, Junction is a vital tool for reducing the incidence of drugs in schools.

When youth are found using illicit substances, it is vital to intervene quickly in order to help them through their difficulties and prevent them from dropping out of school. The result of a partnership between the Marguerite-Bourgeoys school board and the West Island Y centre, Junction provides an effective way to reinforce teenagers’ sense of responsibility and help students make decisions they won’t regret.

School representatives refer the students who have been caught taking drugs or who are considered to be under the influence of drugs at school, whether alcohol, prescription drugs or street drugs (marijuana, hashish, LSD, etc.). The program is inspired by the misdemeanour reduction approach: it seeks to reduce the negative impact of drug usage by providing a supportive and understanding environment.

More specifically, the program seeks to make youth and their parents aware of the risks relating to drug usage, and to ensure that follow-up is done with all youth, their parents, and their schools. The method follows the example of the 40 Developmental Assets, an approach that is designed to promote optimal development by helping youth to acquire the skills they need to become responsible adults.

The Junction program reaches up to fifty adolescents and their parents each year. The social workers organize group meetings with young drug users, and another meeting with the youth and their parents. The youth and their parents are referred to the appropriate resources, as needed. Follow-up is done with all the young people, their schools, and their parents. For repeat offenders, individual monitoring is also done. These interventions encourage the teens to develop life-changing strategies.

For more information, please contact Natalie Bérubé at the West Island Y centre,
514 630-9622 ext. 326.