ON Thursday, June 18, Delta Police Department will host experts in the field of youth violence in a community forum being held at Seaquam Secondary School at 11584 Lyon Road, Delta. The forum will provide information, awareness, and knowledge about youth violence to parents or anyone engaged with youth.

An info session will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. with a number of community agencies present to provide information on youth addiction, youth mental health, and family counselling services.  Agencies attending include DeltaAssist, Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) – Child and Youth Mental Health, Pacific Community Resources – Astra Program, MCFD – Social Worker and Youth Probation.

The forum will take place from 7 to 9 p.m.

The presenters for the forum are:

* Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, CFSEU-BC – End Gang Life Campaign. Houghton will provide an update on CFSEU, Surrey RCMP and Delta Police’s coordinated response to the current drug conflict in the communities

* Two former gang members – Both involved in various levels of the gang life as youth and adults, will share their unique experience and insight into what led them towards gangs, and what motivated them to leave the gang life.

* Raman Gill – Crime Prevention Family Counsellor who will be sharing experiences of working with families and youth who have been impacted by the risks associated with drugs and criminal behavior.

* John Jasmins – Delta Police Youth Liaison Officer: The effectiveness of community collaboration in dealing with high risk youth.

Immediately following the presentations, all presenters will remain on a panel to answer questions from the audience.

Everyone is welcome and youth / teens may attend with parents / guardians; there is no cost to attend.

What: “Youth Violence: A Community Discussion”

When: Thursday, June 18

Where: Seaquam Secondary School, 11584 Lyon Road, Delta

Time: Info Session: 6-7 p.m. with community agencies / Presentations: 7-9 p.m.

Photography, media recording, or video recording will not be permitted inside the auditorium during the forum.