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, 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. 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

  • Anger Awareness – Builds an understanding of anger as an emotion and teaches effective anger management techniques.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Girls Group – Offers information and guidance for young women addressing the unique challenges they may encounter in their lives.
  • Guys Group – Examines what it means to be a man in today’s society, exploring issues arising from family, friends, relationships, and gang involvement.
  • Healthy Relationships – helps youth explore the qualities of safe, respectful, and supportive relationships.
  • Life Skills – Helps youth develop practical experience and resources to respond productively to day-to-day challenges.
  • SNAP® – an evidence-based behavioural model that provides a framework for teaching children struggling with behaviour issues, effective emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills.
  • Substance Use – Presents education and accurate information to motivate youth toward self-assessment and inspire positive change.
  • Victim Awareness – Builds understanding that every type of criminal activity has a subsequent impact on each person involved.
Non-Residential Attendance Centre

Additional Support

  • Employment – The Employment Program helps youth build practical job-readiness skills and develop tools that support future employment.
  • Healthy Eating – Recognizing the direct link between good nutrition and cognitive performance, we provide a light, nutritious meal each evening of operation.

Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Transportation is provided for youth when needed.