Mental Health and Wellbeing
What is our policy for intimidating, threatening, or violent behavior at the Esquimalt Teen Centre?
Zero-stance policy--
Teens, staff, and volunteers must feel safe and secure while attending Esquimalt Teen Centre.
What is TikTok?
This app, primarily known for short videos, is currently the most popular among teenagers in BC.
What are some protective factors for youth's involvement in gangs?
• Building strong family bonds, completing school, and having a positive peer group.
• Creating and sustaining a positive social environment that surrounds the youth – this can be done with the support of community, family and service organizations.
• Promoting social, economic and cultural policies and programs that support positive youth development
Explain how you would make the teen center a welcoming space for first-time visitors?
Greet them warmly, give a tour of the space, introduce them to other teens, and explain the activities available.
What is our illness and shift replacement policy?
- If, in the case of illness, you are unable to attend a scheduled shift, it is your (staff) responsibility to notify your supervisor by telephone and e-mail, and it is appreciated that you have your shift covered by another staff member.
-Under any other circumstance that you are unable to attend a scheduled shift, you must have your shift replaced by another staff member
List your three favorite forms of self-care and why do you think it is important when working with youth to avoid burnout?
Answers might vary depending on the individual :)
This popstar is very famous amongst youth and writes a lot of songs about her breakups
Taylor Swift
What is Esquimalt Teen Centre's policy regarding drug and alcohol?
No drugs and alcohol are allowed on site. Drugs are illegal and alcohol consumption is not legal for persons under 19. Teens under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are not allowed entry to Esquimalt Teen Centre
What is the most popular activity at the teen center this year?
VOLLEYBALL
How often should site checks be done around the Teen Centre?
Every 30 minutes, 2 leaders should be walking around the property to make sure that all the youth on site are respecting the rules of the Rec centre. Walk out of the teen centre, inspect the Adventure Park, Bullen Field, Lacrosse box, enter through the front door, check out the atrium and gym and then head back down to the teen centre
On Thursdays when 2 leaders are working then you will not need to do this.
When working with a youth showing signs of social withdrawal, what are three strategies you can use to re-engage them in teen center activities?
Strategies include creating a welcoming and non-judgmental space, offering one-on-one conversations to understand their feelings, gradually involving them in low-pressure group activities, and better understanding their interests to include them in the activities
What’s the slang term for when someone posts something attention-seeking on social media, hoping for likes and comments?
Clout chasing.
What should you do if you suspect a youth is involved in drug trafficking
Step 1:Call the police after any incident involving drug trafficking.
Step 2: Notify supervisor and write incident report. Implement a ban.
Step 3: Contact parent /guardian of the teen.
What do you think makes a successful activity and provide an example of one you have led?
Answers will vary :)
What sort of approach should you take to dealing with teen considering trying or are presently using alcohol or drugs? Provide three ways you would support the youth.
Staff will take a preventative approach to dealing with teens regarding drug and alcohol issues.
Staff will make themselves available and open to talk to teens that are considering trying or are presently using alcohol or drugs.
Staff will support and encourage teens in making healthy choices and are positive role models demonstrating healthy lifestyles.
Staff will utilise community resources (Youth and Family Counsellor, Outreach Worker, Youth Health Clinic etc.) when making referrals.
If there is any concern for the wellbeing of a teen, his/her parents or guardians must be notified.
What would you do if a youth mentions that they are struggling with their mental health and wanting support?
Let them know that you are glad that they shared their concerns with you.
Although we do not offer counseling with Esquimalt Teen Centre staff, you can help them to get connected to a counselor in the community. While information is not shared amongst staff, do not promise absolute confidentiality in the case of serious crimes. These disclosers may need to be reported depending on the severity.
If you believe that a teen’s safety or well being is in jeopardy, you have the responsibility to take action
What is cyberbullying?
This form of online harassment, commonly faced by youth, can lead to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal from social networks.
As mentioned at the Youth Gang Seminar, describe three common gang recruitment tactics?
Offering Protection and Security: Gangs may target youth who feel unsafe or live in high-crime areas by offering them a sense of safety, belonging, and protection. This is particularly effective for youth who experience bullying, threats, or violence, as gangs present themselves as a source of security in exchange for loyalty and participation.
Exploiting Social and Emotional Needs: Many gangs prey on vulnerable youth by filling emotional voids such as loneliness, lack of family support, or low self-esteem. They build a sense of family or community, providing youth with companionship, status, and validation, which can be especially appealing to those who feel isolated.
Offering Financial Incentives: Gangs often lure youth with promises of quick money, material possessions, and a flashy lifestyle. This strategy can be highly attractive to youth from low-income backgrounds or those who are financially struggling, as gangs present illegal activities like drug dealing or theft as easy ways to earn cash.
What is Esquimalt Teen Centre's mission?
By presenting a range of opportunities to a diverse group of young people, our mission is to increase youth participation in both leisure and recreation
Who should you contact in the event you are injured on the job?
In the event that a worker is injured on the job, they should immediately report to the First Aid Room located next to the Pool and notify the First Aid Attendant. The name of the designated Rec. Centre Occupational First Aid Attendant also needs to be contacted.