The Youth Services Review for West Vancouver has found large gaps in programs for young people.
Among a list of changes, it recommends more services in the western half of the district, more staff and better co-ordination with other services providers.
The review of how well youth services were working in the municipality was ordered by council in the fall of 2010. The report ultimately included 10 key findings and six recommendations, all of which were endorsed by a council vote July 17.
The main budget items include hiring a new youth development officer at a cost of about $75,000 to add new programming and support the four existing youth workers in the district, as well as setting up a $15,000 annual budget for youth programs and events like dances, festivals and contests. That would supplement the existing $1,000 general programming budget at the Ambleside Youth Centre. Funding proposals will come forward in the 2012 budget.
The report also recommended the district sign formal agreements with other service providers, while it identified numerous gaps in service. In particular, Horseshoe Bay is underserved, youth volunteer opportunities are too few and youth with mental health challenges aren't getting the help they need, partly because of confusing policies and a lack of mental-health programs in West Vancouver, according to the report.
"For a lot of youth, they may have to go outside of their community," said Anne Mooi, director of parks and community services, following the meeting. She said many youth aren't aware of the services and acknowledged the municipality doesn't do a good enough job of connecting them to other organizations - perhaps for fear of getting pulled into delivery of mental-health services.
"We work closely with a lot of organizations for sure, but what the review showed us is that we really have to create more formal partnerships with the providers that will indicate who is providing what service, so that there's a clear understanding of the services available."
The goal is to move towards a "hub model," which will bring all the services together under one supervisor and one place for youth to access.
Coun. Michael Smith, who has been involved with the report nine months, said too often West Vancouver's attention is focused on "grey power" issues, and that more attention was needed for youth.
"Older residents get the attention and youth don't," he said, describing the plan as cost effective while recognizing that a bigger staff is needed. "You can't provide services without people," he added. "But I'm not suggesting we open a floodgate of cash."
Still, several councillors expressed concern about the cost of the new staff position, but deferred any final decision until budget 2012 budget discussions.
The report also looked at issues specific to preteens and found pre-teens are looking for more structured activities and events compared to older youth, something the events budget is designed to address.
Finally, the report suggested the aging Ambleside Youth Centre will need replacing in the long-term, but that particular suggestion was questioned by Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones, who said staff had previously approached the idea but found the youth centre was happy with the space.
A follow-up committee will be developed to implement the findings, with annual reports to council on progress.
