Non-Residential Attendance Centre (NRAC)

The Non-Residential Attendance Centre (NRAC) is a community-based program, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, focused on the reintegration and rehabilitation of young people ages 12 to 17 who have come into conflict with the youth criminal justice system.

JHS Niagara strives to empower youth enrolled in the Attendance Centre to become positive, contributing members of the Niagara Region. Staff members create a safe, non-judgmental environment where youth can explore alternative behaviours, and role model pro-social behaviour in their interactions with youth and peers, building the respectful, trusting rapport the program relies on.

Referral and Case Management

A youth may be referred through an order from youth court, a probation order, or as a condition on an existing probation order. An Attendance Counsellor is assigned to each youth to implement their case management plan, and age and gender are taken into account during this planning phase.

Our Approach

NRAC’s service delivery model uses a cognitive-behavioural approach, focused on how youth perceptions and thought patterns can translate into negative behaviour in the community. Programming is flexible, with individual or group instruction arranged based on each participant’s unique needs and abilities.

Cognitive Programs

  • Cognitive Skills – Helps young people make responsible choices by highlighting the link between thinking patterns and irresponsible behaviour, with an emphasis on developing strategies to change those patterns.
  • Anger Management – Builds an understanding of anger as an emotion and teaches effective anger management techniques.
  • Life Skills – Helps youth develop practical experience and resources to respond productively to day-to-day challenges.
  • Anti-Criminogenic Thinking – Increases awareness of the different forms and levels of violence, and encourages youth to consider the impact violence has on everyone in the community.
  • Substance Abuse – Presents education and accurate information to motivate youth toward self-assessment and inspire positive change.
  • Girls Group – Offers information and guidance for young women addressing the unique challenges they may encounter in their lives.
  • Victim Awareness – Builds understanding that every type of criminal activity has a subsequent impact on each person involved.
  • Guys Group – Examines what it means to be a man in today’s society, exploring issues arising from family, friends, relationships, and gang involvement.
  • Female Bullying – Helps young women understand the impact bullying has on everyone involved.
Non-Residential Attendance Centre

Additional Support

  • Literacy and Tutoring – Meets the individual needs of youth through educational activities and tutoring. Our sites have dedicated study areas complete with computer labs, internet, and printer access.
  • Employment – Connects youth with a Job Gym Employment Counsellor who can assist with effective job searching.
  • Healthy Eating – Recognizing the direct link between good nutrition and cognitive performance, we provide a light, nutritious meal each evening of operation. Youth are included in meal preparation, reinforcing the practicality of newly learned life skills.

Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Transportation is provided for program participants, when needed.