School-Based Crime Prevention Programs

Communicating Our Perspectives and Emotions Successfully (COPES) is a school-based program for students who have displayed impulsive and aggressive behaviour within the classroom and as a result, have difficulty interacting appropriately within a school setting. Working in small groups over a period of 8 to 10 weeks, the program attempts to assist these students to develop coping skills to better handle stress and to increase their awareness of the causes and consequences of their behaviour. Youth enhance their problem solving skills, learn productive ways of managing their anger, and are better able to understand their emotions and control their behaviour. COPES is designed for youth aged 12 to 16, and is currently offered in senior elementary and high schools, as well as community settings. This program is funded by local United Ways.
Bullying Prevention/Social Competency Programs offered to primary and junior grades are intended to empower children to prevent bullying, and when it occurs, to identify it as such and be able to intervene and obtain appropriate assistance to prevent it from escalating. Topics covered include: general information about bullying, self-esteem, assertiveness, problem solving, understanding and appreciating diversity, understanding feelings, communicating effectively, building empathy, cyber-bullying, and being a friend. Sessions include role-playing, games, activities, stories, songs and puppets. Separate content has been created for primary and junior grades and content aligns with Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. Sessions are offered over a few weeks to multiple classrooms in the same school to promote school-wide gains. An evaluation study completed in 2016 showed the program has positive impacts for children in changing both cognition and behaviour. This program is funded by local United Ways.

John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington: Main Office
310 Charles Street East
Kitchener, ON
N2G 2P9