YMCA Alternative Suspension (ASP)

Alternative Suspension is an out-of-school intervention program that establishes bonds of trust and creates a support network for students who have been or are at risk of being suspended from school due to problematic behavior while also supporting a consistent and strong academic focus.

It aims to reduce future suspensions and disciplinary sanctions by offering participants an opportunity to turn their time away from school into a positive experience that encourages personal growth, the development of social skills and autonomy.

Students may be referred for any of the following concerns:

Absenteeism / lack of participation in classes
Apathy & lack of motivation
Issues Related to substance misuse
Disruptive & impulsive behavior
Physical, verbal or psychological violence
Theft or vandalism
Students struggling academically and needing an adult to guide them with time management and motivation
Student needing additional support to help them with their Mental Health needs

Learn more about Alternative Suspension here

Key Activities

Student referrals to the program are to be administered by the school
Individual assessment of participating youth
Personalized profile of participating youth drafted by a youth worker
Intervention sessions last an average of 5 days
Mornings entailing focus on academic achievement and afternoon sessions on thematic workshops aimed at reducing identified risk factors
Recreational activities
Reintegration of students back into the school/community and follow-up to determine the impact of the Alternative Suspension program
Regular communication with parents

Key Activities

Self-awareness of problematic behavior
Develop self-esteem and respect
Expand the network of social support
Decrease participant's associations with problematic peers
Decrease aggressive, impulsive, disruptive and antisocial behavior
Encourage academic aspirations and motivations
Increase school achievement and graduation rate

Contact Us:

Youth Engagement Manager:

Sonalin Bhayani
403-826-2757
sonalin.bhayani@calgary.ymca.ca

NW Youth Worker:

Vanessa Omeike
403-651-6434
vanessa.omeike@calgary.ymca.ca

NE Youth Worker:

Tessa O’Byrne
403-463-2448
tessa.obyrne@calgary.ymca.ca

South Youth Worker:

Scott Caithcart
403-899-4125
scott.caithcart@calgary.ymca.ca

The Alternative Suspension Program is generously supported by: