CTC is a research based prevention process that involves the community to promote positive development in Whistler’s children, youth and young adults. We are working to do this through evidence-based surveys, which provide us with areas we need to focus on. The CTC Board includes leaders local organisations, employers, volunteers and government ministry workers involved in youth issues.
Our latest Youth Survey was conducted in September of 2017. Whistler public school students in grades 6 – 12 completed the survey. The survey is valid across age, gender and ethnic groups. There is a database of over 470,000 students across North America to provide us with the context for our results as well as for the first time, data from our neighbouring communities. The survey combined with data from other sources gives us a picture of our Challenges (Risk Factors) and our Strengths (Protective Factors).
Our protective factor priorities in 2013 were: Community rewards for pro social involvement and Interaction with pro-social peers. One of the councillors at the COTW suggested that the RMOW could formally recognise prosocial youth involvement. We agree this is a great idea and would be happy to support this!
Our risk factors were: Parental Attitudes Favourable toward Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug (ATOD) Use; Parental Attitudes Favourable towards Antisocial Behaviour (drunk or high at school, intent to harm – 12.5% of grade 12s); Peer Rewards for Antisocial Behaviour; and Low Perceived Risk of Drug Use. Our results in these areas show higher involvement than the survey results in Sea to Sky and the norm – BH Norm (470,000 N. American students), however they are lower than 2006.
In the past we have surveyed school aged youth in 2003, 2006 and 2013. In 2007 we added young adults, aged 19 – 26 to our survey cycle as our group thought that they influenced our local children and the community as a whole. The data from the 2007 survey of the young adult population in 2007 highlighted the support needed for programs like LUNA and Residential Advisors in staff housing. What mental health support do youth and young adults in Whistler require? The most current survey, 2016 broadened the scope to ages 19 – 30. Low wages and housing were major stressors. Binge drinking was identified as a major health issue.
Research has proven that every dollar spent on youth social programs nets $3 – 25 of future benefit depending on the program. Social benefit ratios of higher amounts for parenting programs have been confirmed by research. CTC’s mission is to help local parents and their children by offering effective and tested programs and we will strive to ensure that we have most current information about health and behaviour trends so that we can target the areas of greatest need.
“Champion change through awareness”
“Use honest and courageous dialogue based on data, to make our community stronger for our families and children.”
The CTC Board includes leaders local organisations, employers, volunteers and government ministry workers involved in youth issues.
Check back for more details, or take a look at our resources and surveys.