Youth Services

Bluewater Youth & Adult Services believes that every child is unique and is entitled to a level of support necessary to bring positive change to their life situation. Every child should have the opportunity to reach their highest potential. A child’s behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs should be addressed by highly trained youth workers. We are committed to ensuring youth have a safe and comfortable environment to develop in.

Bluewater Youth & Adult Services operates a 4 bed, long term, group care residence for behavioural and/or developmental youth with complex special needs, typically aged 11 - 17 years. Our services are community based, youth centred and individualized.

Programs offer, but are not limited to, counselling, leisure activities, recreational pursuits,
anger management, drug and alcohol counselling, life skills and conflict resolution.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Staff and residents of Bluewater Youth & Adult Services are actively involved in the communities within Grey and Bruce Counties. Part of the resident’s daily program include: community services activities (e.g. animal shelter, parks and recreation, cleaning at local community centers etc. within Grey and Bruce Counties). Recreational pursuits will be available at, but not limited to the following: Owen Sound YMCA, Hanover Pool, Hanover Parks and Recreation, Walkerton Pool, Chesley Pool, Chesley Minor Sports, Chatsworth Minor Sports, Bruce Trail, area Provincial and National Parks

Photo: Youth Residence

Our Values

Bluewater Youth & Adult Services believes:

Children should receive services in their home communities
Contact with the natural family should be supported when reasonable
Children’s rights under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms will be respected and honored
Services to youth should be diverse and individualized to meet specific needs
Children deserve our support and respect
Staff must adhere to high moral and ethical standards in their professional association with children and their families
In advocating for the children in our care
That local community should take ownership in their children’s development
Children should engage and actively participate in the development of a treatment/plan of care
In providing protection to high risk youth
Children should have access to education that meets their individual needs
In collaboratively working with community children’s resources
Services will be provided in an environment that takes into account ethno-cultural, racial, linguistic and ancestral diversity
Accommodations for the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender youth and gender specific issues will be evaluated at intake and accommodations made to address specific concerns
Children have the opportunity to participate in leisure & recreation activities that promote physical social cultural benefits.
Services to youth will be diverse & individualized to meet the child’s specific need