Nova Scotia Youth Facility Marks 20th Anniversary

The Nova Scotia Youth Facility located in Waterville Nova Scotia is marking its 20th anniversary this summer.

The facility, which opened in 1988, accommodates young people in conflict with the law who are serving open- or secure-custody sentences, as well as young people on remand.

Programs at the facility aim to improve residents' understanding of their behaviour and personal issues; improve the ability to control their actions and make better decisions; provide opportunities to acquire academic and vocational skills and promote a positive self-image through goal-setting and achievement.

The goal, ultimately, is to provide young people with instruction and the opportunity to practice skills which may effectively change their behaviour.

Thirty-three staff members who came to the facility when it opened in 1988 still work there.

"I would like to congratulate staff on their anniversary and thank them for the tremendous work that they do to help young people in our province," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "Their work must, at times, be very difficult. Still, the fact that many people who started with the facility in 1988 continue to work there speaks to their dedication and their commitment to helping our young people."

Alyson Muzzerall, superintendent of the Nova Scotia Youth Facility, is one of the staff members who has worked at the Waterville centre since it opened.

"Over the years, we have worked to enhance the programs and services we offer," said Ms. Muzzerall. "We look forward to another 20 years of serving young people in Nova Scotia."

Through the years, the Nova Scotia Youth Facility has developed many relationships with outside organizations, that enhance the services Waterville provides.

For example, health and mental health services for young people at the facility are provided by an on-site IWK adolescent forensic team. The facility has also partnered with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board to operate an off-site education program called Centre 24-7.

"We have been working with the youth facility for six years now and it has been an great experience," said Steve Guthro, IWK manager at the Nova Scotia Youth Facility. "The management and front-line staff do an excellent job of managing very difficult behaviours while still attempting to provide youth opportunities to be successful.

"It's a difficult balance to achieve. They do an outstanding job.”

Some young people have changed their life path through their association with Waterville staff, including former Waterville client Zac Crockatt.

"The Waterville youth centre was the only place that could promote change in my life at such a young age," he said. "The structure of the institution atmosphere, and the programs offered, allowed me to see myself and my life for what was and come to terms with the affects of being raised in a dysfunctional family."

Mr. Crockatt now serves with the Canadian Forces.

He returns to the Nova Scotia Youth Facility occasionally to speak to youth at the centre. He talks about his experiences and how his time at Waterville helped him change his life.