Temporary Location of Halifax Youth Attendance Centre

Space in St. Patrick's High School on Quinpool Road in Halifax will serve as the temporary location of the Halifax Youth Attendance Centre.

The Halifax Youth Attendance Centre will provide one-stop access to programming for youth under court-ordered community supervision in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Programs will include education, counselling, job training and addictions treatment.

"This is an important next step in the development of this service to youth in the community," said Justice Minister Murray Scott. "We're pleased to have the support of the Halifax Regional School Board as we move forward to enhance services for youth in the community."

Students will be accepted in the attendance centre for the second term semester, beginning in February. Renovations are currently taking place in the lower level of St. Patrick's High School so that the space will be equipped to accommodate students.

Initially, the attendance centre will accommodate 20 students into the school program with even more youth being able to access day, evening and weekend programming.

"The Halifax Regional School Board is looking at all our options in terms of providing support to at-risk students," said Gary O'Hara, chair of the Halifax Regional School Board. "We are optimistic that the attendance centre will have a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community."

It is anticipated that the attendance centre will open in its permanent location in the autumn of 2007.

Many provincial government departments, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Department of Community Services, as well as outside agencies, have partnered to contribute to the successful operation of the Halifax Youth Attendance Centre.