Grant: Operating Grant

Youth injured by violence is a major public health concern in Canada. It is the fourth cause of death and the leading reason for a youth to visit an emergency department. In Winnipeg, 20% of youth who visit an emergency department with an injury due to violence have a second visit for a subsequent violent injury within the following year. This is consistent with studies in other jurisdictions that demonstrate that violent injury is a chronic condition. Youth injured by violence are in a reflective and receptive state of mind, rendering the emergency department setting appropriate for intervention. We propose a WrapAround Care model delivered by a support worker with lived experience with violence, supported by a social worker, an addictions and mental health counsellor, a family counsellor and links to multiple community partners. Support workers will be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to start the intervention in the ED and take advantage of the "teachable moment". The proposed study is a pilot randomized control trial to assess the feasibility of a randomized control trial designed to assess efficacy. For the pilot trial we will assess recruitment, treatment fidelity, participant adherence and safety. The intervention arm will receive wraparound care initiated at the time of their visit for injury due to violence. The control arm will receive standard of care (usually a list of community contacts). We will use an adapted pre-consent randomization methodology. This intervention has been developed using a community based participatory research approach. Our team includes clinicians, nurses, social workers, community youth workers, ex-gang members, elders and researchers.