Adolescence is a critical stage of personal development.
Unfortunately, many New Brunswick youth, as many youth across Canada, face negative life experiences which result in suicide, crime, teenage pregnancy, poverty, family violence, abuse of alcohol and drugs and school dropouts. Development of a positive self-image and a strong identity as well as knowledge and life skills are essential for making the transition to an adult life of stable relationships, meaningful work and a crime free life. More than 3,600 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are exposed to the criminal justice system each year. Partners for Youth Inc. recognizes that in order to prevent crime from ever happening in the first place one must address the reasons why people commit crime i.e. addressing the root causes of crime. Partners For Youth Inc. targets youth between the ages of 10 and 15 who are identified as vulnerable or at risk.