Referral Process

Every referral to the Project D.A.R.E. open custody program must be initiated by the youth's Probation Officer and if a sentence under 30 days in length is expected, it is most efficient to initiate the referral prior to a youth’s sentencing date.

Prior to a referral to Project D.A.R.E's custody program, a discussion could take place between the youth's parent(s), the Judge, the defense attorney, the crown attorney and the Probation Officer to determine if Project D.A.R.E. would be a suitable placement and fits with the Probation Officer's case management plan.

Initiating the Referral

The Probation Officer will initiate the referral to Project D.A.R.E.

The Probation Officer will be asked to send the following information to Project D.A.R.E.:

• YOSIS full client report
• Risk Need Assessment (RNA)
• Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) if available
• Any other relevant reports

This information should be sent by fax at: (705) 386-2345.

Information Inquiries and Referral Correspondence may be emailed to: referral@projectdare.com or prichardj@wendigolake.com

Referral information will be reviewed by a representative of Wendigo Lake Expeditions prior to an assessment interview.

Please Note: Our youth spend a significant period of time on extended wilderness trips. In order to ensure a youth's smooth transition into the group, we do not intake clients while the intended group is on expedition. As such, it's important to understand that there may be a brief delay (2-5 days) before the intake can occur. Please contact the Supervisor of Student Services for an updated schedule of potential intake dates.

Guidelines for Selection

Must be a male youth serving an open custody sentence while at Project D.A.R.E. for a period of not less than 30 days. It's important to understand that for a 30 day sentence, the youth must spend a LEAST 30 days in program. Please allow up to one week to complete a medical assessment and to allow for scheduling complications. This 30 day program length should NOT include the community supervision portion. In many cases, it's best to intiate the referral prior to a clients court date in order to maximize the amount of time a youth has in program.
Motivation to attend is NOT a requirement, but is preferable.

Guidelines for Exclusion

The youth is currently considered suicidal;
Serious mental illness;
The youth has a history of serious violent behaviour;
The youth is assessed as a high risk of escaping custody;
The youth has a history of setting fires; (a concerning fascination with fire)
The youth has severe food allergies;
If the youth is allergic(anaphylaxic) to bees, he will not be accepted in the program between April 1 and October 31;
The youth does not pass a medical examination (ie. - deemed medically unfit to engage in a physically demanding program such as Project D.A.R.E. by a medical doctor).

Medical

The youth must undergo a medical examination conducted by a Physician prior to acceptance into the program which must be documented on the Project D.A.R.E. Medical Information and Consent form and signed off by the Physician and parents. Clients are NOT eligible to participate in the program unless the medical examination has been fully completed.

The medical does not need to be completed prior to initiating a referral to Project D.A.R.E. Custody facilities are exempt from third party billing for medical exams, so the exam should be arranged through the custody facility. If the youth is not in custody, call Project D.A.R.E.'S Manager of Student Services for advice on how to proceed. Project D.A.R.E. will not reimburse for costs incurred for medical exams.

Click below for our Medical Information and Consent, which can be faxed.

Consent for Use of Psychotropic Medication Form

Informed Consent and Release

The Young Offender Service Manual (YOSM) standards require that parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Project D.A.R.E Informed Consent and Release form to indicate their informed consent. The form describes the physical activities that the student may participate in. Clients are NOT eligible to participate in the program unless the consent form has been fully completed.

Click below for our Release Form, which can be faxed or mailed to us when completed.

Activity Release Form Letter Size (54KB)

The final decision to admit a student to Project D.A.R.E. is based on a review of the referral information and results of an interview by the Manager of Student Services. Other factors considered by the Manager of Student Services include program capacity and current group dynamics within the student groups.

The student may either be transported to Project D.A.R.E. by the custody facility where he has previously been placed, or arrangements may be made with Project D.A.R.E. to provide intake transportation.

Rights Responsibilities in Custody PDF (80KB)

Coming soon: Parents Package