The feds paid $290,000 for a three-year London pilot project

A new crime prevention project aimed at children at risk of becoming offenders is underway in London.

The federal government is providing $290,000 to Vanier Children's Services for a three-year pilot project that targets children 12 and under.
Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan visited the centre yesterday to make the announcement.

"The support we are announcing today advances the government's commitment to building stronger and safer communities," said Van Loan.

Joanne Sherin, director of clinical services at Vanier, welcomed the funding, which provides support for up to 100 children and their families.

"A lot of bad behaviour are cries for help," said Sherin. "If a child is setting fires, they're not trying to keep it a secret -- it's crying out for help. It's the same for violent acts. And these aren't bad kids. These are kids with very, very serious mental disorders."

Vanier specializes in children's mental health, helping vulnerable children overcome serious emotional and behavioural problems often related to death, divorce, violence, neglect, parents with mental health and substance abuse issues, or who are born with problems.

Police Chief Murray Faulkner and Fire Chief John Kobarda, who have both pushed for early intervention for children at risk of contact with the law for violence or arson, were also at the press conference.

"We've seen a rise in youth violence across the country and you don't become violent as soon as they turn 12," said Faulkner. "It starts much younger than that."

Faulkner said it's frustrating society will spend millions of dollars for police officers -- $77 million in London -- to combat crime, millions to probe a plane crash and millions when there's a tainted water or food outbreak, but little on children at risk of a life of crime.

"The benefits of this program probably won't be seen for 10 years," said Faulkner. "But to help a young child is far more important (and beneficial) to society."

Faulkner described the program as a "form of punishment" police don't have as an option, even if a child uses extreme violence or is clearly troubled.

"It's now an option for us, it's preventative and for children who are out of control, this is a great program and will be very welcomed by parents."

Police, fire officials, educators, or parents can refer children to the new program.

The program will involve assessment, treatment such as counselling for the child and, possibly, the parents, who would be referred to other experts for help.

MP Joe Preston, Elgin-Middlesex-London, also welcomed the program. "Really early intervention is better than handcuffs later on," said Preston.

Joe Belanger is a Free Press crime reporter.