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The Back on Track by the YMCA Program

To transform the risk of a school suspension or repeated suspensions into a positive and constructive experience, the Back on Track by the YMCA program offers an intensive, short-term intervention where teens aged 12 to 17 can reflect, refocus, and develop new skills.

This approach provides students with a safe third place, where they will not lose what they learned or make their situation worse. The spiral of corrective measures enforced as punishment is thus avoided, and students can truly settle down and face what led them to this situation in the first place. It is well established that students can then more effectively get back on track.

What Is Back on Track?

The Back on Track program aims to prevent school dropout in three steps.

  1. Cool down
    • Students find themselves in a new, structured environment, putting a stop to the downward spiral.
  2. Reflection
    • The program encourages students to reflect in one-on-one meetings and group workshops.
  3. Commitment
    • The program motivates students to make changes that will have a positive impact on their school environment.

The Student’s Journey Through the Program

Back on Track combines one-on-one support, group workshops, and follow-ups with the school.  

Each student’s time in the program is personalized based on their situation and needs.

 

Typical Participation – 3 to 5 Days 

Goal: get students to cool down, reflect, and commit to their studies.

Morning

  • Welcome
  • One-on-one meetings to set goals
  • School work

Afternoon

  • Group workshop

The Referral Process

The referral process is one of the main ways to guide a student toward specialized services if they are at risk of a suspension from school or other disciplinary measures.

1. Incident or repeated incidents

The decision to recommend the student for the program is either made on a voluntary basis by the student or out of necessity by school staff, parents, or guardians.

Contact the designated Back on Track service point for the school

Discussion between intervention and pedagogical personnel on circumstances and program availability.

2. Submit a Request

If a spot is available.*

The school contacts the parents or guardians to inform them about the student’s disciplinary situation and asks for their permission to refer the student to the program

The program start date is chosen

*Please note that if parents refuse or if there are no spots available, alternative solutions will be used. Participation in the program can be planned for a later date (preventive referral).

3. Refer Student to Program

Parents’ permission is given.*

Submit the filled out “Le nécessaire” form to the Back on Track service point

Send the student’s school work to the service point

4. Prepare for Student’s Participation

A meeting is planned between the school, program staff, and parents or guardians to answer any questions.

Find the nearest service point to your school

How Do Back on Track Partnerships Work?

The implementation of a Back on Track service point relies on the collaboration of three key players:

Want to Set Up Back on Track by the YMCA in Your Community?

Whether you are a school, non-profit organization, or school board, our team will support you every step of the way to set up a Back on Track service point in your area.

Write to us today at info-backontrack@ymcaquebec.org to learn more about the process, terms, and support offered by the YMCAs of Québec.

You can also consult the Find Us page to see where the program is already being offered in Québec and Canada.