Kids & Teens

About Face Program

What is About Face?

About Face is a workshop designed to offer guidance to youth whose behaviour has brought them into conflict with authority figures such as parents, teachers or police.

The new YJCA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) emphasizes meaningful consequences for young people who commit an offence. It encourages police to use the criminal justice system as a last resort, and instead provide youth with opportunities to be reintegrated into the community.

About Face is designed to provide youth with the tools to avoid coming into conflict with the law and to make positive contributions to society.

What Are the Benefits?

About Face encourages youth to accept responsibility for their actions, develop their character and make better choices.

Ultimately, the workshop aims to ensure these youth will not reoffend.

Who is Involved?

About Face workshops are delivered by police officers who are involved with the Cops for Kids program.

The Calgary Police Service is committed to young people and recognizes its role in helping them develop the positive self-esteem that is so important to a bright future.

Officers are committed to working with youth in a constructive way. Drawing on their experience, they act as mentors for youth who need direction.

Impact Society is an organization committed to helping youth recognize the gifts and abilities that will allow them to realize their full potential.

Impact Society designed the content for About Face workshops and trained police officers to deliver the workshop.

For more information on the Impact Society, contact:

What Happens in the Workshop?

• About Face is a four-hour interactive workshop.
• It is designed to help young people make better choices in their lives.
• The workshop begins by showing the effects of crime. Youth are encouraged to recognize the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for them.
• The second component helps youth discover their own identity by identifying their unique gifts and abilities. Uncovering these talents shows them how to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to society.
• The third component guides young people through the process of starting over. They are given the tools to make better decisions without being held back by their past.
• Finally, About Face empowers participants to achieve their best. Values such as honour and respect are emphasized, as well as new strategies for managing their lives.
• About Face is facilitated by specially trained police officers and is supported through the use of guest speakers and multimedia presentations.

How do Youth Get Involved?

Kids recommended to About Face are requested to attend the next workshop.

Workshops are available throughout the city in various communities.

Any other people who may benefit from an About Face workshop are also encouraged to attend.

Download the About Face Brochure

Application

To register, please fill out the About Face application form