COMPASS FULL-TIME ATTENDANCE PROGRAM IN CAMPBELL RIVER
Charting your own path forward.
The Compass Program offers a structured, supportive alternative to custody for youth who need stability and guidance. By combining a strength-based day program with family-style living, we help young people reset their routines and build the skills they need to move forward.
Are you a probation officer?
Individualized programming.
The Compass program is designed to offer youth individualized programming that reflects their strengths, interests, and needs. Youth play an active role in developing their goals and identifying which life areas they would like support with, such as: substance use, independent living skills, emotional health, employment, healthy relationships, communication skills, school, and wellness.
Email: Compass180@jhsni.bc.ca
Phone: 250-286-0222
The Program
For youth as an alternative to custody.
Compass – Full Time Attendance Program
Full-time structure with a consistent schedule from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Living with family carehomes in the community who provide a safe, welcoming home.
Strength-based learning: An experiential day program that focuses on building each youth’s abilities.
Individual and group counselling: Support from primary counsellors, clinical counsellor, and substance use counsellors.
Teacher-supported individualized learning plans with the ability to earn up to 25 school credits.
Opportunities for volunteer work and paid employment.
Social, cultural, and recreational activities tailored to youth interests.
Approved home visits to practice new skills in home communities.
Location: Campbell River (6-month program).
Eligibility
The Compass program is open to:
Youth ages 12 to 18 referred as an alternative to custody.
How To
Access
STEP 01
Referral by a Youth Probation Officer
This program is only accessible through a referral by a Youth Probation Officer (YPO). Youth must have a condition to attend a Full Time Attendance Program on their court order.
STEP 02
Referral Review
Our team will meet with the youth and support staff involved and conduct a screening assessment. After that, we will review the referral based on order type, risk factors, and needs, while also trying to coordinate with a suitable care home.
STEP 03
Welcome to Compass
Once accepted, you’ll receive your program handbook and information to help you get started.
Resources & Downloads
Useful reading before you apply.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Compass in Campbell River.
Compass is a six-month full-time attendance program serving as an alternative to custody for up to eight youth at a time. Youth live in specialized family carehomes in Campbell River and attend a strengths-based, experiential day program Monday to Friday.
Six months. Youth are expected to complete the full six months.
Youth reside in specialized family carehomes in the Campbell River community. Before youth enter the program, staff work to make the best fit between youth and carehome families. Some homes have pets, some have other children, and each has a different environment.
The day program runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Activities include check-ins, cooking, physical education, individual and group counselling, cultural connections, supervised time in the community, work experience, independent learning (school), and weekly chores. Youth can earn up to 25 school credits during the program.
Yes. Staff encourage youth to return to their home communities to practice new skills. Home visits require consultation with the probation officer, youth counsellor, and the person responsible for the youth during the visit.
Youth and their probation officer work together to create a list of approved people for phone contact. Families can also apply to visit youth in the program, which requires consultation with the probation officer, youth counsellor, and family members.
No. Youth do not have access to cell phones or personal electronic devices during the program. Staff provide an MP3 player for music, which youth keep after completing the program. Internet access is limited to school projects and employment searches only.
We use a harm reduction approach. Youth who were already using nicotine prior to intake may continue with signed guardian consent and a staff-supported plan to reduce use. Use is limited to scheduled breaks and designated outdoor areas, and all use is managed by staff. Costs associated with nicotine products are the responsibility of the youth or their guardians. Youth without a prior history of use are not permitted to begin while in the program.
Staff work with the youth and probation officer to arrange safe travel back to the home community. Staff encourage the youth to discuss potential consequences with the probation officer, but if the youth chooses to leave, staff support them in getting home safely.
Youth work with primary counsellors (main supports), teachers (School District 72), clinical counsellor (individual or family work), substance use counsellors, and activity workers (recreation and community activities).
Youth graduate with new skills, school credits, and connections to continue their progress in their home communities.
OUR IMPACT
“I’ve been working hard on my recovery and school – but the highlight has been doing guitar lessons and jamming with (the group).”
– Compass FTAP Client