Peter Willis Residence

Residents

Peter Willis Residence accommodates 15 male youth ages 12 - 17 who are being held on a detention order from the court awaiting a future appearance or are serving an open custody disposition as directed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).

Residence Purpose

The Residence provides open custody and detention services to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Clients are primarily referred to the program from western Ontario, however, referrals may come from anywhere in the Province.

Program Goals

To help clients develop:

• responsible behaviour
• respect for others
• relationship building skills
• pro social attitudes
• critical thinking skills

Program

A diversivied range of activities and services are offered 24 hours per day in our structured, safe and supportive homes. All clients are assessed in consultation with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services upon admission allowing staff to develop a personalized Treatment Plan.

All clients participate in a daily routine, which includes education and or employment, group programs focusing on problem solving training, anger management or drug and alcohol education, personal life management skills, community service and recreation.

An individualized educational assessment and school program is provided in partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board.

Employment opportunities are provided to those clients who exhibit appropriate attitude and responsible behaviour.

Staff use a number of strategies when interacting with clients in order to meet program goals. A cognitive behavioural approach is utilized by our staff focusing on problem behaviour, thinking patterns, feelings and attitudes. Many clients have developed impulsive, egocentric, illogical and rigid thinking patterns during their short lives. Encouraging and teaching the necessary skills to think before acting antisocially and role modeling appropriate problem solving behaviours are cornerstones of our program. Clients are encourages to make pro social choices with consideration for others. These concepts are introduced in both individual and group counselling sessions and reinforced in daily routines.