At-risk kids deserve the same shot at success as everyone else. Surrey’s Wraparound Program helps them get it.

When it comes to gangs, there's one thing law enforcement and educators know for sure: the best way to prevent their spread is by keeping youth from joining them in the first place.

That’s where Surrey’s WrapAround program comes in.

A partnership between the Surrey school district, the Surrey RCMP and the City of Surrey, WrapAround (or 'Wrap') connects youth ages 11-17 who are at risk of joining gangs with outreach workers, teachers, and police.

Youth participating in Wrap have access to counseling, mentoring, substance abuse and mental health support. Through collaborative fun like sports or other recreational activities, they have the opportunity to build positive, long-lasting relationships built on mutual trust. It’s an opportunity for them to rediscover their self-worth and change their lives for the better.

And it’s working.

Since 2009, the program has supported more than 500 families. Youth who’ve participated in the program are 67% less likely to have negative contact with the police.

During the campaign, the BC NDP promised to provide long-term funding for the Surrey WrapAround program.

Earlier this week, Solicitor General Mike Farnworth reaffirmed that commitment. The BC NDP government will provide $500,000 to the Surrey WrapAround program through a grant from BC’s civil forfeiture program. This initiative collects profits from criminal activities and reinvests them into crime-prevention programs and victim compensation in local communities.

In addition to providing financial stability, this funding also eliminates the program's 35 person waitlist. Now 132 at-risk students will have access to the WrapAround program and its mentors.

While government and law enforcement work together to develop a long-term overall strategy, programs like Surrey WrapAround deserve stable funding so they can keep helping at risk kids.

Solicitor General Mike Farnworth agrees.

“People want to feel safe where they live and know their child won’t be lost to the dead-end path of gang life. It’s time to target gang violence in our neighbourhoods head-on. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”