Insurance may take care of the damage done to local schools as a result of a number of break-ins, but it's the "human factor" that is less easy to resolve, says the director of education for Living Sky School Division.
Randy Fox says it's not an easy situation. While some youth have been charged as a result of a recent string of school break-ins, there are also individuals under the age of 12 involved. It's through the combined efforts of many that the consequences of the events are being addressed, he says.
Through the HUB and some of the school division's own resources, such as the Elders Council, plans are going into place to help the families of the youth involved. The HUB is a crime prevention initiative established last year that brings together several local agencies including the RCMP, the City, school divisions, social services and Prairie North Health Region.
While positive steps are being taken, it has been demoralizing for school staff, says Fox.
"Trying to understand why," is part of the resolution of the situation, he says.
The string of break-ins has also had North Battleford city councillors concerned.
During the presentation of the May statistics report for Battlefords RCMP detachment, S/Sgt. Phil Wilson said charges were laid against a couple of youths who were over age 12 and under 16. The rest were under age 12, he said.
"Unfortunately we can't deal with that. It's a matter of taking them home and advising child services of their activities," said Wilson. Several had been caught in response to calls from individuals, he said.
