Joint news release with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre
The Government of Yukon and Skookum Jim Friendship Centre (SJFC) have reached an agreement to provide youth access to services following the scheduled closure of the Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth (ISYY) office in February 2019.
In order to maintain continuity of services and support for youth who access ISYY, the SJFC will hire two outreach youth support workers in the coming weeks. Following the closure of ISYY, youth will have access to the same level of service through the SJFC offices.
In the coming months, the Government of Yukon will engage with youth, First Nations governments and community partners to determine how best to provide comprehensive service and support to Yukon youth.
It’s important that we support our youth and help them transition into healthy, confident adults. We are pleased to be collaborating with the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre to provide youth with the services they need in a safe and welcoming environment. Going forward, we want youth to be empowered and feel the full support of the government and the community.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
Skookum Jim Friendship Centre is committed to fostering the way of friendship and understanding between all people. We are happy to be able to support youth during the time Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth is closed. We hope that youth will engage in the improvement of ISYY and help shape a program that works best for them.
Skookum Jim Friendship Centre executive director Tammy McKeown
Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth (ISYY) opened as a two-year pilot project in August 2016.
Services are expected to transition from ISYY to Skookum Jim Friendship Centre in early February. Until then, the current ISYY office will remain open.
Youth will be able to access services at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
ISYY staff have advised affected youth of the pending closure and that services will be provided through Skookum Jim Friendship Centre.
Youth who are receiving support through youth agreements will continue to receive support and will be able to work with their existing social worker during this period.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Julie Ménard
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8478
julie.menard@gov.yk.ca