The Langley Youth & Family Well-being Initiative: Adopting the Icelandic Prevention Model
Why Langley Needs a New Approach
We recognize that families in Langley face significant challenges, often rooted in economic hardship and generational trauma. Current approaches are focused on intervention after problems arise.
Our Vision: We are shifting the focus to proactive, community-wide prevention by addressing root causes before they manifest in substance abuse, conflict, or stress.
What is the Icelandic Prevention Model?
The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) is a global leader in youth substance-use prevention. It is not a therapy program. It is a community restructuring approach built on three pillars:
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Structured Free Time: Ensuring all youth have access to high-quality, free, structured extracurricular activities.
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Family Involvement: Providing education and support to parents to increase the time they spend with their children.
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Data-Driven Policy: Annual, localized youth surveys drive policy decisions, ensuring resources are targeted where they are most needed.
Why This Works: Creation of Local Impact
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Lower crime and vandalism rates.
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A more reliable future workforce.
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Vibrant, safe public spaces near the 2029 Skytrain expansion.
Your Role in the Langley Initiative
To successfully tailor and implement the IPM in Langley, we must first understand our community's unique needs. Your 5 minutes of input in our survey is the fundamental data required to secure partnership funding from the City of Langley and support from Service Canada.