1. How long is your program?
- The treatment program at NWTC is normally four to six months in length. If it appears a youth would benefit by staying in treatment longer this is discussed with the youth, their caregiver and caseworker to decide if it would be beneficial.
2. Who can attend the program?
- Youth are referred by different methods such as a caseworker through Child and Family services, whether through a provincial office or Designated First Nation Authority. We accept referrals from Jordan’s Principle and other sources as well. There have been cases of private referrals over the years and we are open to discussing these on an individual basis.
3. Who pays for the program services?
- The referring worker/agency are responsible to pay for treatment services. In the case of a private referral, the caregiver of the youth would be responsible.
4. Does NWTC only accept Aboriginal youth?
- No, NWTC accepts any youth in need of healing in our treatment centres. Though our foundation built upon traditional teachings, we support and encourage youth to find their own path. Our cultural/spiritual programming is optional and if a young person wants to explore other forms of spiritual expression they are supported to do so.
5. Do you deal with mental health issues or just addictions?
- Both, and all other aspects of a young person that may have led to significant challenges for them and their families. It is our experience that rarely can mental health issues and addictions, for example, be completely separated as there is a person in need of balance in all areas of their lives. So our focus is on helping youth regain their natural balance in life and often this indirectly addresses issues related to what is called ‘mental health issues’. What is referred to as mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety and PTSD, are not strictly ‘mental’ and rather are more often related to the physical/emotional/spiritual aspects of an individual.