In the Niagara region, a Community Justice Forum program is being implemented to facilitate dealing with youth behaviour disorders in a school setting. The hope is that this program will cut down on recidivism and prevent further incidents. Participants felt that dealing with behaviour disorder problems requires leadership on a national level. Information would be useful on how to mesh the zero tolerance policy and alternative methods of dealing with problem behaviour. The question of culture is also important.
Some difficult behaviour needs to be understood and dealt with from a diversity standpoint.
A lot of children and youth with behaviour problems have difficulties within the traditional educational system. There is a need for programs that are more tailored to their requirements, such as alternative high schools. These students may need different approaches if learning is to become positive and relevant. Appropriate tools, training and communications links are needed to work effectively with children and youth with behaviour problems. Several participants mentioned the importance of including youth in the consultation process.