The Freeman Complex is an important facility for the Youth Protection Branch in the Outaouais region. Each year, its four units receive more than 100 young people living with difficulties such as behavioural problems, violence, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour and suicidal risk. The facility can also accommodate youths with high needs thanks to its day centre, which offers adapted schooling, as well as other programs promoting social reintegration and preparation for adult life.

With a mandate to rehabilitate youths and support them in their development, the facility’s service offerings aim to meet various needs, including the development of social skills, emotional management, collaboration, mutual aid, as well as self-improvement and self-esteem, all within the framework of an educational experience shared with educators and intervention officers.

For these young people with needs, the Freeman Youth Rehabilitation Centre is a full-fledged living environment – that is why the Centre’s team of specialists, through various intervention strategies, tries to normalize their daily lives there.

Sports and outdoor activities are an essential component of their rehabilitation program since they allow adolescents to develop positive social behaviours with a view to returning to their respective homes. By making these much-needed activities possible, new spaces and facilities can play an essential part in fulfilling the Centre’s primary mandate.

Currently, the outer courtyard and infrastructures are not adequately developed for these activities and do not meet the community’s needs. Moreover, especially difficult periods like the current pandemic demonstrate the absolute necessity of further outdoor development for the youths. Having a landscaped yard would allow young people to let off steam and channel their emotions, while developing a sense of belonging towards the Centre.