Intersections

Intersections is a voluntary program that works with young individuals and/or their families to reduce and prevent further contact with police services and improve well-being.  The program is for young individuals who are at-risk of becoming justice involved.   After initial police contact, an Intersections Coordinator works with the young individual and/or their families to discuss their needs and to navigate and coordinate appropriate services. 

 Intersections assists young individual and/or their families to go through three steps:

STEP 1

Police Contact

The police will recognize the young individual who is at-risk of becoming involved in the justice system. The police take the first-step in making the initial referral to Intersections with the consent of the young individual and/or their parents/caregiver(s). 

STEP 2

Engagement & Screening

The Intersections Coordinator and host agency receive referrals made by the police and will directly contact the young individual and/or their families. Together, the Intersections Coordinator and the young individual and/or their families will determine which services are most appropriate and a referral to services are made.

STEP 3

Interventions & Pathways

The Intersections Coordinator completes the referral(s) as per the referral pathways with each service agency based on the needs and strengths identified with the young individuals and/or their families. The Intersections Coordinator will support and follow-up during and after the referral is made.  When a young individual is engaged in service(s), a “warm handoff” will happen where support will be transferred from the Intersections Coordinator to the new service agency.   At this time the Intersections Coordinator will inform the young individual and/or their families about the closure of their file. On occasion, the Intersections file may be reopened if needs change or are unmet.

Who is eligible to participate in Intersections?

Eligibility criteria:

Young individuals who:

·       Are 8-17 years of age

·       Have had police contact where the officer suspects the young individual is engaging in risky or troubling behaviour       and/or could use extra individual or family support 

 Non-eligibility criteria:

Young individuals who:

·       Qualify for diversion

·       Are in crisis (imminent risk of harm to self or others)

·       Along with their parents/caregiver(s) are not willing to participate

·       Are on probation

 What are the benefits of participating in Intersections?

 Young individuals and families may see:

     ·       Strengthened family relationships

·       Reduced police contact

·       Fewer calls from schools

·       Improved behaviour and well-being

·       Enhanced community support

·       Cultural connectedness

 Who is funding the program?

NHCS:

Intersections is hosted by North Hastings Children’s Services and funded through a Safer and Vital Communities Grant*.  

COSP:

Intersections is hosted by COSP and funded in part through a Safer and Vital Communities Grant*, Quinte West Police Services Board & Central Hastings CPAC (municipal boards), United Way of Hastings and Prince Edward and the City of Belleville

Who should I contact for more information?

Intersections is available throughout Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

For more information on Intersections for North Hastings contact:

North Hastings Children’s Services:

Sarah Phoenix, Intersections Coordinator

e-mail: intersections@nhcs.ca

phone: 613-332-0179  

fax: 613-332-0308

For more information on Intersections for Centre Hastings, Belleville, Quinte West and Prince Edward County contact:

Community Organized Support Program (COSP):

Travis Peck, Intersections Coordinator

e-mail: intersections@cosp.ca

phone: 613-394-3911

fax: 613-394-7064

*The views expressed in the publication are the views of the recipient and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province