Resources
Discover resources for the covering the following topics:
- 211 Resources
- Alberta Youth Justice Committees
- Community Service Work
- Creative Assignments
- Culture Options
- Skill Development
- Substances Use
- Youth Diversion
- Mental Health
| Category | Community Resource | Description | Location | Platform | Referral Process | Cost | Eligbility Requirements | Additional Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Diversion | Youth Diversion | Everyone plays a part in the diversion process: the arresting officer, the crown prosecutor’s office, referral programs such as Youth Justice Committees or Sanctions program, as well as the community. | Alberta | Online | https://calgaryyouthjustice.ca/programs-services/youth-diversion/ | Free | N/A | |
| Youth Diversion | Law Enforcement Resources | Calgary | Online | Resources - Calgary Youth Justice Society | Free | N/A | ||
| Youth Diversion | Public Resources | Calgary | Online | Resources - Calgary Youth Justice Society | Free | N/A | ||
| Alberta Youth Justice Committees | 2025 Alberta Youth Justice Committee Needs Assessment Results | Alberta | Online | Download the PDF | Free | N/A | ||
| Substance Use | Anti-drugs Course | Find out what drugs are, what they are made of, their short- and long-term effects, and view real stories from real people about each of the most popular drugs of choice. | Online | Online | Drug-Free World Education | Free | N/A | |
| Substance Use | Cannabis and Mental Health Course | The Cannabis and Mental Health Course is a course made by youth for youth. This 4 module course aims to explore the link between cannabis and mental health. | Online | Online | Cannabis and Mental Health Course | Free | N/A | |
| Substance Use | Alberta Health Services Addictions | There are locations throughout Alberta that offer addictions programming and counselling available for youth. | Alberta-wide | Online and in-person options Visit or call an AHS Addictions community clinic. | Addiction & Mental Health | Alberta Health Services | Free | N/A | By calling 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta only), you can find an addiction service near you. |
| Substance Use | CASA | Offers various programming in relation to addictions, FASD, trauma program, Indigenous services, family therapy program, and day programming. | Sherwood Park | In-person | Get Child and Teen Mental Health Help - CASA Mental Health | Free - application is required. | There is specific programming availabe for ages 5-17 year olds. | |
| Substance Use | The Bridge Wellness Hub | The Bridge is a youth-centered facility offering to help youth navigate the complicated world of health and social support services. | Fort Saskatchewan | In-person | (780) 589-0224 | Free | Ages 12-24. | |
| Substance Use | Mitaa Detox Center | Detox and addictions center, as well as assessments and counselling. | High Prairie | In-person | (780) 523-3372 | Free | N/A | |
| Substance Use | Community Connect YYC | Support for those experiencing a challenge with substance use, including medication, peer support, counselling and groups | Calgary | Offers in-person, phone, or video counselling sessions. | CCYYC Addiction Supports | Free | Ages 13-17. | |
| Substance Use | Alcoholics Anonymous | Alberta-wide | In-person and online options. | Meetings – Area 78 | Free | |||
| Substance Use | 211 Alberta | Visit the 211 Alberta website to learn more about specific programming available in yourcommunity. | Alberta-wide | In-person and online options. | 211 Alberta | 211 Alberta, Help Starts Here | Mixed between free and a fee required. | Available for youth. | |
| Substance Use | Drug Rehab Services | Free, confidential professional help and resource for drug and alcohol addiction in Canada. Referrals for clients seeking support with substances. | Alberta-wide | Online | 1-877-254-3348 | Free | https://www.drugrehab.ca/ | |
| Substance Use | SMART Recovery | Free support meetings (in-person and virtual) open to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery | Alberta-wide | In-person and online options. | SMART Recovery - Meetings | Free | ||
| Substance Use | Treatment Services for Youth in Alberta | AHS offers various treatment services, including outpatient, mobile, intensive day treatment programs, residential detoxificaion, residential treatment program, and protection of children abusing drugs (PChAD). | Alberta-wide | In-person and online options. | Treatment Services for Youth | Alberta Health Services | Depends on program. | Depends on program. | |
| Mental Health | EQUIPPED | Mental Health Course for Young Adults | Create a better understanding of mental health and how to support your mental well-being. | Online | Online | EQUIPPED | Mental Health Courses for Young Adults | Free | N/A | |
| Mental Health | EQUIPPED | Mental Health Course for Young Adults | This module introduces what it means to be apart of the 2SLGBTQ+ community or to support someone who is. | Online | Online | EQUIPPED | Mental Health Courses for Young Adults | Free | N/A | |
| Mental Health | Be There Certificate | Free, self-paced learning experience designed to increase mental health literacy and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. | Online | Online | Earn your Be There Certificate | Free | N/A | |
| Mental Health | Boys and Girls Club | Child and Youth Mental Health | Alberta-wide | In-person | BGC Canada | How We Help | Free | N/A | Connect with your local BGC | |
| Mental Health | Anger Management - GOA | Anger Management is a Youth Transition Program (YTP) run by YMCA-Edmonton. It is a registered workshop that examines various strategies and techniques for recognizing and managing anger. Throughout the eight weeks, participants go through the stages of the anger cycle and what this looks like in their personal lives, thereby enabling them to recognize signs of anger and manage it. | Alberta-wide | Online | jsg.eyac-programs@gov.ab.ca | Free | Ages 13-18 | Program is offered online Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm |
| Mental Health | AHS Mental Health | Transform your stress, pschological disaster learning series, and wellness exchange. | Alberta-wide | In-person and Online | Virtual Mental Health | Alberta Health Services | Free | N/A | Connect with your local AHS. |
| Mental Health | The Bridge Wellness Hub | Fort Saskatchewan | In-person | Call 780-589-0224 | Free | Ages 12-24 | ||
| Mental Health | ACCESS Open Minds | AOM (ACCESS Open Minds) is a walk-in, single session based clinic embedded within a youth and young adult friendly environment. Individuals and their supports are welcomed and seen by a clinic therapist on a first come, first serve basis. | Edmonton | In-person | Call 780-887-9781 | Free | Ages 16-25 | Drop in basis |
| Mental Health | YMCA | Youth Transitions Program | YMCA Youth Transitions Program (YTP) is a free service focused on providing support to youth aged 13–19 who are facing barriers in their lives | This program is offered in-person in the Edmonton region, and virtually throughout Alberta. | In-person and Online | Youth Transitions Program (YTP) | YMCA of Northern Alberta | Free | Ages 13-19 | Participants are paired with a youth support worker and must complete a referral form to help identify where the participant needs support. Referrals to YMCA Youth Transitions Program can be made by anyone, including the client themselves |
| Mental Health | Wellspring Youth Outreach | Intensive Case Management is a confidential service, provided to women, men and youth in Whitecourt and the surrounding communities with priority given to those who have experienced family violence. | Whitecout | In-person | Outreach & Youth | Outreach - Wellspring Family Resource & Crisis Centre | Free | Parental consent required | |
| Mental Health | YMCA | Y MIND | Y Mind is a free seven-week mental wellness program that supports teens 13–18 years and youth 18–30 years who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety. At Y Mind, they will learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope with stress and anxiet | Y Mind is offered in person in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Wood Buffalo regions, as well as virtually across Alberta. | In-person and Online | Y Mind | YMCA of Northern Alberta | Free | Ages 13-18. | Please note that participants do not have to be diagnosed with anxiety to participate and there will be an individual follow-up planned after the session. |
| Mental Health | Counelling Alberta | Effective and affordable counselling for all Albertans | Alberta-wide | In-person and Online | 1-833-827-4230 (toll-free) | Afforable counselling | ||
| Mental Health | Alberta Mental Health Line | The Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line is a 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year, confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns. | Alberta-wide | In-person | 1-877-303-2642 (Toll free) | Free | Youth programming available. | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Mental Health | Help Right Now | List of available resources for immediate mental health concerns. Includes Talk Suicide Canada, Distress Line, Distress Center, Distress Line of Southern Alberta, First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line, Kids Help Phone, Rural DistresLine | Alberta-wide | Telephone | Help Right Now - CMHA Alberta Division | Free | ||
| Mental Health | Kids Help Phone | 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people | Alberta-wide | Telephone and text | 1-800-668-6868 | Free | N/A | N/A |
| Mental Health | Inside Out Youth Group | Inside Out Youth Group is a fun, casual, and simultaneously supportive group for 2SLGBTQ+ identified or questioning youth ages 13-18 along with their friends, family and allies. | Alberta-wide | Calgary, and online | Calgary Outlink | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree | Free | ||
| Mental Health | Sexually Exploited Children | The Collaborative Outreach Preventing Exploitation (COPE) Program supports youth aged 12 -24, who are at risk of, or engaged in sexual exploitation within Calgary and surrounding areas. This voluntary program helps youth and their families reduce the risks of sexual exploitation in the community and online. | Calgary and surrounding areas | In-person and online | Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act Program - McMan Calgary | |||
| Creative Assignments | Acts of Kindness | Complete three asks of random kindnessa and write about them/ impact/your reaction | ||||||
| Creative Assignments | School attendance | Attend school for a period of time -require school zone or power school attendance sheet | Youth's individual school | |||||
| Creative Assignments | Artwork for donation to seniors/daycares | laminated colorful placemats hand drawn and colored by client 18x11 | daycare or seniors home of choice | |||||
| Creative Assignments | Posters | related to offence/comic strip outlining lead up to offence through consequences/message re: crime doesn't pay/effects of criminal record etc./wheek with spokes: cllient is center:spokes are everyone and everything affected by his/her choice of behavior-using 3-d materials/collage poster of people and things affected by criminal behavior | ||||||
| Creative Assignments | construction/building projects | planters/birdhouses/ shelving | must have access to building materials and someone to oversee project (parent/responsible adult). For donation to appropriate recipient/charity/community organization | |||||
| Creative Assignments | composing children's books for donation to non profit daycares | client writes and illustrates a children;s book with positive message/pages are laminated and attached with small rings. Each location would require laminator/small rings unless client has acess elsewhere. | For donation to non profit daycare | |||||
| Creative Assignments | knitting/crocheting hats/scarves for donation | |||||||
| Creative Assignments | Creative youth | Elizabeth Fry Society and Family futures | Family Futures Resource Network | |||||
| Creative Assignments | Zine & Heard | Work that would be acceptable for this sanction include a short story of their life/experiences, a poem, song lyrics, photo journalism, or a comic. These pieces of work would connect in some way to their experience being in care, and represent some sort of message that they would want to share to help bring awareness or support to others in care. They would then get published in an issue of Zine and Heard. | Zine & HEARD | |||||
| Creative Assignments | Native Counselling | Bear Paw U, Media and Education | Native Counselling Services of Alberta | |||||
| Cultural Options | Youth Drop-In | Offers a space for youth to hang out after school. | Athabasca | In person | office@athabascafriendship.org | N/A | Program runs the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. | |
| Cultural Options | Canadian Native Friendship Centre | Provides a community space of social and informational resources. | Cold Lake | In person | reception@cnfc.ca | N/A | ||
| Cultural Options | Canadian Native Friendship Centre | Provides a community space of social and informational resources. | Edmonton | In person | reception@cnfc.ca | N/A | ||
| Cultural Options | Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth | Service provides programs to help urban Indigenous youth feel a sense of belonging in their communities, create friendships, and begin a healing journey. | Calgary | In person | Programs - USAY | Indigenous youth ages 14 to 21 | ||
| Cultural Options | Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary | Provides opportunities for members of Calgary's urban Indigenous community to participate and access programming, services, and resources from the collective centre and partnering organizations within one single geographic location. | Calgary | Indigenous Hub – Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary | N/A | Urban Indigenous Youth | ||
| Cultural Options | Grande Prairie Friendship Centre | Offers a community-based drop-in program that addresses the needs of individuals who are considered at risk or in need. | Grande Prairie | In Person | About | Grande Prairie Friendship Centre | Grande Prairie | |||
| Skill Development | CAREERinsite | One-stop shop for career planning. | Online | Online | CAREERinsite - alis | Free | N/A | Work at your own pace modules. |
| Skill Development | Calgary Youth Attendance Center | Skill Developments Program | Alberta-wide | In-person and Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | |
| Skill Development | The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program | The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program promotes and enhances the well-being of Albertans, families and communities. FCSS programs are intended to help individuals adopt healthy lifestyles, improve their quality of life and build capacity to prevent and deal with crisis situations should they arise. | Alberta-wide | In-person and Online | Find Your FCSS Program - FCSSAA | Free | N/A | Connect with your local FCSS to enquire about programming. |
| Skill Development | Courage to Change Journaling Program - GOA | Through discussion and journaling, youth are provided with an opportunity for self-reflection and tools to develop behaviour. | Calgary, available for all YJCs to use online | In-person and Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | Contact to receive referral form. |
| Skill Development | Driver Awareness - GOA | This program covers topics including the consequences of speeding, distracted driving (cell phones, texting), and driving under the influence. It also discusses the various costs of dangerous driving (legal, business, and personal costs) and how a Criminal Record related to such offences can affect a young person’s future. | Calgary, available for all YJCs to use online | Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | Program is offered one date/time per month from 4:30-6:00pm. |
| Skill Development | How to Adult - GOA | A program designed to assist participants who are considering and/or transitioning to independent living. | Edmonton, available for all YJCs to use online | Online | jsg.eyac-programs@gov.ab.ca | Free | This program is geared toward mature youth aged 16 to 18 and who would like to better prepare themselves for entering the next chapter of their lives | This unique program consists of eight to twelve sessions. Program is offered online Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00pm. |
| Skill Development | In the Lead 180 | In the Lead 180 (ITL 180) is a character and leadership development program designed for youth ages 14 up to 18 in conflict with the criminal justice system. The objective is to build and enhance key protective factors that are known to reduce risk taking behaviour and re-offending. | Calgary Youth Justice Society, available for all YJCs to utilize | Online | In The Lead 180 Referral Form (Ages 14-17) - Calgary Youth Justice Society | Free | Ages 14-18. | The program consists of 6 modules designed to help participants explore their potential and existing strengths and abilities to be a great leader for themselves, their peers, their family, and community. Online, every Tuesday evening, 6:00pm- 7:30pm |
| Skill Development | KYNDE - GOA | A program where the concept of empathy is explored, including its importance, what it feels like to experience empathy (both personally and for others) and the decision process behind it. | Calgary, available for all YJCs to use online | Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | Program is offered one date/time per month |
| Skill Development | Money Matters - GOA | TD bank designed Money Matters to help youth take better care of themselves by taking better care of their money. The CYAC will facilitate this program and talk about how to manage money online and in daily life. | Calgary, available for all YJCs to use online | Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | Program is offere one date/time per month. |
| Skill Development | RESTART - McMan | ReStart Leadership Program is for youth aged 10-24 who would like to increase their leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. This free program is offered during and after school hours in schools throughout Calgary. | Calgary | Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | Ages 10-24 | RESTART will be offered from 5pm-6:30 pm on Monday evenings and cover the same topics as in person RESTART for 10 sessions. Referral can be submitted for anything over 5 weeks. |
| Skill Development | Stop Bullying - GOA | Youth learn about bullying and its destructive effects, and collectively inspire to create safe, caring, and respectful schools and communities | Edmonton, available for all YJCs to use online | Online | jsg.eyac-programs@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | Program is offered one date/time per month from 4:30-6:00pm by the Program Coordinator at the Edmonton Youth Attendance Centre (EYAC) |
| Skill Development | Theft Prevention - GOA | This is suitable for youth with shoplifting charges. Developed in consult with a Loss Prevention Officer, this program aims to teach the consequences of shoplifting, underlying reasons for shoplifting, motivations, and stresses, who is impacted and how to develop coping mechanisms. | Calgary, available for all YJCs to use online | Online | jsg.cyacprograms@gov.ab.ca | Free | N/A | Participants will write an apology letter to the victim, taking responsibility for their offence, stating what they have learned in the session and how they intend to prevent re-offending. |
| Skill Development | YCJA - Facilitated by: Justice Education Society | The Justice Education Society of BC provides a free online course about the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The YCJA is the primary statute that covers how youth and crime are dealt with in the justice system. This is course is a valuable resource to youth so they can understand the processes of the justice system. | Online | Online | YJCA | Free | N/A | The course takes approximately 1-2 hours. |
| Skill Development | John Howard Society | There are several locations throughout Alberta, offering various youth programming. | Select locations | In-person and Online | Youth Programs – Calgary John Howard Society | Free | N/A | Connect with your local John Howard Society. |
| Skill Development | Family Futures Resource Network | Programs and services are designed to support children, youth, and families to maintain and enhance natural supports and community connections. | Edmonton, some programs are online and may be available for YJCs | In-person and Online | Child & Youth programs — Family Futures Resource Network | Free | 13+ | Programs include Art for the Heart, Art Works, Babysitting training course, Cooking club, Creative youth |
| Skill Development | Youth Employment Center | The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre (YEC) provides free, in-person drop-in employment services. We offer resume targeting, job search strategies, interview preparation, career planning, connections to employers who are hiring, and more. | Calgary | In-person | Youth Employment Centre (YEC) | Free | N/A | Drop-in hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed statutory holidays) |
| Skill Development | The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society | Coyote Pride is a free in-school program for Indigenous and non-indigenous youth who have the willingness to learn about the Indigenous culture and teachings. The children and youth will participate in Indigenous cultural activities, teachings, and ceremonies with mentors provided by Coyote Pride | Edmonton | In-person | Home - Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society | |||
| Community Service Work | Bragg Creek Community Center | Bragg Creek | ||||||
| Community Service Work | CYAC - Calgary Youth Attendance Center | Calgary | Program is offered Saturday/Sundays, between 9:00 - 3:00 pm | |||||
| Community Service Work | Chestermere Public Library | Chestermere | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Synergy | Chestermere | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Churches | Chestermere | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Cochrane Home Reno Heaven | Cochrane | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Cochrane Home Treasures | Cochrane | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Cochrane Humane Society | Cochrane | ||||||
| Community Service Work | EYAC - Edmonton Youth Attendance Centre | Edmonton | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Habitat for Humanity | Edmonton | No sexual assaults or severe violence charges | |||||
| Community Service Work | Mustard Seed Distribution Warehouse | Edmonton | Age 16+ unless with guardian | |||||
| Community Service Work | Holy Trinity High School | Edmonton | Must attend school | |||||
| Community Service Work | Mother Margaret Mary High School | Edmonton | Must attend school | |||||
| Community Service Work | Louis St. Laurent High School | Edmonton | Must attend school | |||||
| Community Service Work | Oscar Romero | Edmonton | Must attend school | |||||
| Community Service Work | County Clothesline Foundation | Edmonton | Age 15-17; No severe violent offences; FASD Accept | |||||
| Community Service Work | Canadian Native Friendship Centre | Edmonton | Ages 14 plus | |||||
| Community Service Work | Food Bank | Edmonton | No assault or theft charges | |||||
| Community Service Work | Abbottsfield Recreation Centre | Edmonton | Youth and Young Adults | |||||
| Community Service Work | Town of Redwood Meadows | Redwood Meadows | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Crimson Lake | Rocky Mountain House | Need to be accompanied by an adult | |||||
| Community Service Work | The Lord's Food Bank | Rocky Mountain House | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Asokewin Friendship Ctr. | Rocky Mountain House | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Rocky Museum | Rocky Mountain House | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Rocky Library | Rocky Mountain House | ||||||
| Community Service Work | The Historic Site Rocky | Rocky Mountain House | Criminal record check required | |||||
| Community Service Work | Roar Society | Rocky Mountain House | Need to be accompanied by an adult | |||||
| Community Service Work | Boys and Girls Club | Sherwood Park | 13+ | |||||
| Community Service Work | County Clothes-Line | Sherwood Park | 15+ | |||||
| Community Service Work | Heartland Alliance church | Sherwood Park | N/A | |||||
| Community Service Work | Salvation Army Shop | Sherwood Park | 16+ and no shoplifting charges | |||||
| Community Service Work | Silver Birch Lodge | Sherwood Park | 16+ | |||||
| Community Service Work | The Bookworm | Sherwood Park | 14+ | |||||
| Community Service Work | HodgePodge Lodge | Sherwood Park | 15+ | |||||
| Community Service Work | Stony Plain Youth Center | Stony Plain | Depending on what the charges are and if the youth would be willing to participate and not cause issues -example no drug use cases sent there | |||||
| Community Service Work | Strathmore Public Library | Strathmore | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Tennilles Hope Soup Kitchen | Whitecourt | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Repeat Boutique Thrift Store | Whitecourt | ||||||
| Community Service Work | Twice is Nice Thrift Store | Whitecourt | ||||||
| 211 Resources | 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Addictions Support | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Children/Families | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Crisis Resources | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Diability Supports | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Financial Support | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Homelessness | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Food/Basic Needs | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Indigenous Peoples | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Legal | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Newcomers to Canada | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Youth | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Violence/Abuse | https://ab.211.ca/ | ||||||
| 211 Resources | Mental Health Supports | https://ab.211.ca/ |