Follow the arrow: New approach for Yukon government services

There's a bigarrow pointing to the door on a neon-pink sign.

You can't miss it and that's the point, says Yukon's Minister of Health and Social Services Mike Nixon.

'We want it to be visible," he said.

Nixon spoke today at the opening of a new Whitehorse officecalledIntegrated Supports for Yukon Youth. It will offer young people access to all Yukon government services in one place.

The new office isdesigned to servepeople under the age of 24. It willbe open six days a week from 2 to 10 p.m.

"This is something completely new for our territory. While service hubs have been used elsewhere it's a brand new concept to Yukon," Nixonsaid.

"Often our youth aren't aware of the services that are available for them, or perhaps they can't access them during regular school or work hours."

'One-door approach'

The new office is part of the territory's new mental health strategy.

It does not represent new funding, but ratherre-allocates staff from within the Yukon government who used to work in different offices and regular business-hour shifts, Nixonsaid.

He says the new "one-door approach"will prevent people from running around.

"Our current system can be difficult and can be complex to navigate, especiallyif you're notsure of what you want or where you are going," he said.

"Peopledon't necessarily want to have to tell their story over and over again to multiple service providers, when they could just tell it to one."

The office will house a manager, a social worker,two family support workers and one administrative assistant with rotating staff from other departments.

Doug Graham, Yukon's Minister of Education, says the office will also have roomfor staff from the Education and Justice departments.

He promises it willhelp Yukon'sgovernment "co-ordinate services for individuals with really complex needs."

"It's our responsibility as educators and social service workers to make those young people comfortable when they're trying to figure things out," Graham said.

'Pointing them in the right direction'

"When youth walk in through the door, we'll be helping them find services within Yukon government. We'll be pointing them in the right direction," said Miriam Simon, the centre's manager.

This could include applications for passports, Yukon IDs, child care subsidies, housing, mental health support, counselling,education grants, social assistance or other requests.

Simon saysworking evenings and weekends is a good idea becauseplacing people in shelters whenemergencies happen late at night will be one of the centre's duties.

"I think it's essential. It's after-hoursbecause that's when youth need some help," she said.

Graham said theoffice on 2nd Ave is considered a pilot project andwill be studied over the next two years to see if it shouldbe tried in smallerYukon communities.