The Windsor Police Service has partnered with the Youth Wellness Hub to support runaways and missing youth.
The Return Support Discussion program will connect recently returned or located missing children with a Youth Wellness Hub peer support worker.
"We will create a space where youth can come in and get support with the root causes of why they may have left home in the first place and how we can help with that going forward. Whether it be helping keep them safe if there is a next time or making a plan so there doesn't have to be a next time," said Lexi Conlon, a peer support working at the Youth Wellness Hub.
Windsor Police Missing Persons Coordinator Constable Ron Bercovici said they want to reduce the risk of exploitation.
"Children and young people who frequently go missing from their circle of care are at significant risk of harm regardless of the length of time away," said Bercovici. "They face risks of sexual and criminal exploitation, not only while away but from the problems which cause them to go missing."
According to five years of data collected by the Windsor Police Service, "frequently missing" youth make up 20 per cent of all missing persons cases in Windsor.
This year alone, 97 young people were reported missing 551 times.
The hope is that by connecting these youth to services at the Youth Wellness Hub it will reduce recurrences.
Using the referral program will be completely voluntary and all discussions are kept confidential.
The program is the first of its kind in Canada. It was established through a $96,954 grant from a Victim Support Grant from the provincial government.
