The Day, Evening, Weekend for Youth (DEWY) Program is more than just a treatment service — it’s a transformative space for youth navigating the challenges of substance use. Designed as a day treatment model, DEWY offers structured and consistent programming that moves beyond short-term crisis support or drop-in services. It provides a stable, therapeutic environment where young people engage daily in group counselling, one-on-one sessions, and intentional recreational activities that support their healing journey.
At its core, DEWY aims to create a sense of belonging, mastery, generosity, and independence. The program recognizes that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Its goal is to offer youth the space, tools, and relationships needed to make meaningful change—on their own terms and at their own pace.
Serving youth between the ages of 13 and 19, DEWY supports those whose substance use is impacting various areas of their lives. The program is grounded in evidence-based practices and guided by four core pillars:
- Mindfulness practice
- Relapse management
- Values-based living
- Enhanced motivation toward recovery
These approaches are integrated into every part of the DEWY experience. The program doesn’t aim to dictate what recovery should look like. Instead, it supports youth wherever they are in their journey—whether that means using more safely, reducing their use, or making bigger life changes.
DEWY’s core objectives include:
- Building trusting, non-judgmental relationships with youth
- Providing harm reduction education and supplies
- Connecting youth with healthcare, housing, and mental health services
- Supporting youth in setting their own recovery and wellness goals
- Reducing harm and empowering young people to make informed choices
Many of the youth DEWY serves are among the most vulnerable, with complex needs and experiences. They may be using substances daily, binge-using, engaging in poly-substance use, or using injection methods. Substance use is often tied to personal trauma, current life challenges, or mental health issues.
Beyond their use, these youth may also face:
- Homelessness or unstable housing
- Histories of sexual exploitation or abuse
- Family environments marked by substance misuse or instability
- Learning disabilities, such as FASD
- Physical health concerns and untreated injuries
- Involvement in the justice system
- Mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation
Youth are typically referred to DEWY through schools, probation officers, social workers, mental health professionals, or even family members. Self-referrals are also welcome. Each young person goes through a thoughtful “meet and greet” process to ensure the program is the right fit for their readiness and needs.
One of DEWY’s greatest strengths lies in its collaborative approach. The team works closely with key partners to ensure youth receive holistic support. These include:
- ASTRA (Youth Outreach Substance Use Counselling)
- Traverse (a youth bed-based treatment program)
- Fraser Health’s Youth Concurrent Disorders teams
- Child and Youth Mental Health Services
- Various community-based organizations, schools, and justice system supports
Through these partnerships, DEWY is able to provide wraparound care that addresses the full scope of each young person’s needs—whether that’s re-engaging with school, navigating legal obligations, accessing housing, or getting mental health support.
Despite its strong foundation, DEWY faces real challenges. Reaching youth who are transient or disconnected from formal systems is difficult. Many have been let down by services in the past and are understandably wary of trusting professionals. Add to that the systemic gaps—such as a lack of youth-specific detox beds, long waitlists for mental health care, and limited housing options—and the work becomes even more complex.
Still, the DEWY team remains committed. Every connection matters. Every conversation is a chance to plant a seed of hope.
Success in the DEWY program isn’t always about data points—though those are tracked, too. But often, success looks like this: A youth returning for another session. Someone asking for help for the first time. A moment of laughter during a group activity. A week without crisis.
DEWY is about building hope, safety, and self-determination. It’s about meeting youth where they are and walking with them toward where they want to be. Through trust, compassion, and evidence-informed care, the DEWY program is quietly changing lives—one day, evening, and weekend at a time.
Want to learn more or get connected? Reach out to your local youth services provider or ask your school or healthcare professional about a referral to DEWY. You’re not alone—and support is closer than you think.
