Support for youth

Different approaches for different needs

En Marge 12-17 is a reliable and constant presence for youth.  At any time of day or night, intervention workers are present to welcome youth and listen to their problems.  In an informal setting, easier for a youth to relate to, we accompany them in their development.  More than half the youth we see have found an alternative to the street by the end of their time with us.

Housing

• Emergency shelter
  

  A youth between 12 and 17 years of age, who has run away or is living on the street, has a place to stay with us for 72 hours.  This temporary residence permits them, with the help of an intervention worker, to come to terms with a crisis situation and, if they wish, to re-establish contact with their parents, foster home, or group home.

• Short-term stays (up to 60 days)

  On a voluntary basis, and with their parent's consent, a 16 or 17 year old has the possibility to This stay will permit them to establish concrete objectives, which an intervention worker will use to support them as they consider their options and future plans.

Support for ex-residents

After a stay in our residence we continue to work with youth in order to help them avoid the isolation of their former life on the street.  Our objective is to follow up on the support initiated during their stay, no matter where life takes them after their time with En Marge 12-17.

Street outreach work

Street outreach work means creating and maintaining connections.  It permits us to reach youth not familiar with En Marge 12-17.  It's also the basis of accompaniment and the evaluation of critical situations.  Every year, more than 1000 contacts are made.

Activities

The participation of youth in activities such as Vitr'art, La marge s'expose, Chaocirk or Cirko-Vélo permits them to develop personal discipline.  By contributing to these projects, youth become aware of their own value and are positively reinforced.