Alberta axes probation position aiding aboriginal youth

The province is eliminating funding for a probation officer positionthat offered unique and specialized help to keep young aboriginal offenders out of trouble and out of jail.

With no warning, the Alberta government decided to end thepositionoffered through Native Counselling Services at the end of the month.

I honestly believe she is the difference between success and failure for some of these kids-PatYuzwenko

"I certainly have some fear that some of these clients may not be successful without her," saidPatYuzwenko, whoworks in the Youth Criminal Defence Office. "Ican't find enough superlatives to tell you how important it is to have herinvolvedwith some of these clients.

"I honestly believe she is the difference between success and failure for some of these kids."

JodeneMcIsaachas filled the position for the last eight of its 20 years.

"You know what?" she said. "Ilove my job."

The job requires dedication, helping teens around the clock, she said.

"We'll go to the house," she said. "We'll go to the school. We'll go pick them up where they're at. We'll get them to court."

She dreadstelling the29 young offendersshe works with that they're on their own.

"It's just another situation in their life where people that say they carepeople that are there for them are now walking out away from them."

Justice Minister Jonathan Denis saidthe decision will save taxpayers $80,000.

"I'm confident we're acting in the best interest of the taxpayer," he said. "But also the individual children who will access these services through the department."