Canada

App designed by and for runaway youth reducing missing person reports in Saskatoon

Operation Runaway: A Lifeline for Saskatoon’s Youth

Promise Gordon enjoys having a plan. It has been instrumental in breaking the cycle of running away from home for the 19-year-old.

A few years ago, Gordon joined Operation Runaway, a program run by Egadz, a youth center in downtown Saskatoon. The initiative aims to connect chronic runaways with community supports and professionals. Through the program, participants discuss the ups and downs of their week, establish goals, and develop life plans.

“They hold you accountable if you need to be held accountable,” Gordon shared. “That’s one of the main reasons why I appreciate being with them. They are straightforward and honest.”

In 2023, youth accounted for the majority of missing person reports in Saskatoon, with habitual runaways comprising a significant portion. To address this issue, Egadz introduced the Missing Youth Saskatchewan app two years ago. This app has been effective in reducing unnecessary missing person reports by distinguishing between genuine risks and situations where youths are safe but have deviated from curfew or check-in schedules.

Don Meikle, the executive director at Egadz, noted that the app has prevented situations where youths were picked up by the police for minor infractions like missing curfews, leading to unnecessary embarrassment and inconvenience.

The app, alongside a risk assessment tool, has helped youth workers evaluate the severity of each missing person report, leading to a decrease in habitual runaway cases. By providing essential information about the youths’ history and whereabouts, workers can make informed decisions about involving the police.

Saskatoon police sergeant Aaron Moser highlighted the positive impact of the app on reducing missing person reports and unnecessary police involvement. The collaboration between agencies, community groups, and law enforcement has significantly improved communication and streamlined the process of addressing missing youth cases.

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The success of Operation Runaway and the Missing Youth Saskatchewan app can be attributed to the active involvement of youths in designing the program. Meikle commended the youths’ creativity and dedication in creating a solution that has had a tangible impact on the community.

For Promise Gordon, the consistency of meeting the same support workers each week has been crucial in building trust and staying on track. She credits Operation Runaway for helping her become more open and engaging with others, breaking free from isolation.

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