The new Youth Justice Center seems to be working.

Inspector Jeff Duggan from the Kenora OPP detachment says the number of youth re-offenders seems to have dropped since the center opened earlier this year.

“The rate of recidivism is way down for the clients that go through it,” Duggan told the Kenora Police Services Board Thursday morning.

“Is six months a good gauge of that?  Probably not, but the evidence so far that we have, is definitely very promising.”

Duggan adds that having the number of wrap-around services available to youth who go through the center is also valuable.

“I’ve sat through a number of those courts and the services and the wrap-around services that are available are outstanding.  I’m seeing a real benefit to that and the services that are provided.”

In addition to a youth court, the Youth Justice Center has social services, health care supports and a technology room for youth who don’t have access to the internet.

(Blake Angeconeb’s  mural at the Youth Justice Center)