The Delta Police Department is hosting a community forum on youth violence next week.
The free June 18 event is intended to provide information, awareness and knowledge to parents and anyone else involved with youth. Teens and youth are welcome to attend with parents or guardians.
There will be an information session from 6-7 p.m. that will include several agencies that can provide guidance about topics such as addiction, mental health and family counselling services.
Then from 7-9 p.m., presentations will begin. Speakers include two former gang members who will provide insight into gang life and what led them to join and motivated them to leave.
Lindsey Houghton, with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C.'s End Gang Life Campaign, will provide an update on the ongoing drug conflict in Surrey and Delta, while Delta Police youth liaison officer John Jasmins will address the effectiveness of community collaboration in dealing with high-risk youth.
Raman Gill, a Crime Prevention Family Counsellor, will also share experiences of working with families and young people who've been impacted by drugs and criminal behaviour.
Questions from the audience will be taken following the presentations.
Youth Violence: A Community Discussion takes place at Seaquam Secondary, 11584 Lyon Rd. in North Delta. For more information, email endyouthviolence@deltapolice.ca