Junior Social Rehabilitation Minister Thaao Dill yesterday told how he has seen for himself how the Mirrors programme is changing young people's attitudes.

Speaking in the budget debate on the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, Sen. Dill explained why the project was being given an extra $329,000 in 2009/10.

"I can personally testify to the fact that the Mirrors programme's six-day residential session, which involves groups of about 35 young adults, produces extraordinary results," said the Senator.

"Dramatic change takes place within the six-day residential intensive; observable changes in behaviour, attitude and actions are quite noticeable. One can look at the welcome home ceremony that has been broadcast on Government's CITV and see the changes in posture and attitudes as the young adults begin to stand in choice and responsibility."

Mirrors initiative was launched by Government in 2007 to give 'at risk' youngsters aged between 15 and 18 the chance to change their mindsets and take responsibility for their lives with the help of volunteers from the community. It has now been extended to include those up to the age of 21.

Since it began 92 young people have benefited from it, while there are 180 volunteers supporting the system.

This year's extra cash — which takes Mirrors allocation up to $2.15 million — will be used to offer professional development training to the parents of children enrolled in the programme.

The Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation was allotted $74 million in this year's budget, a 23 percent increase on the last fiscal year.

Another programme highlighted by Sen. Dill was the Psycho-Educational programme which was developed to treat children whose socioeconomic and/or therapeutic needs could not be met in Bermuda.

This year it has seen its budget shoot up 365 percent to $3.1 million are a result of an increase in the number of kids being sent to the programme, increased cost in professional services, the involvement of the family in the treatment process, the Government assuming 100 percent of any medical costs while overseas as well as an increase in the cost of ancillary items such as clothing while overseas.

Currently there are 543 children receiving help in overseas facilities, 16-year-old boys are on the account for clients referred to the Psycho-Educational programme.

The Department of Financial Assistance has also seen its budget jump this year to $28 million, up $10 million from last year. Sen. Dill said this increase to into account the rise in the cost of living, an increase in the number of clients with medical issues and the Child Day Care Allowance programme.

Opposition Senator Jeanne Atherden asked how many locals are involved in the variety of programmes offered by the Ministry.

"I think that if Bermudians were aware of how many people are on social assistance, taking all these programmes into account, I think many people would be surprised with the number.

"What is the percentage of Bermudians in these programmes, I do think people would be astonished by the number."

She also asked if any progress was being made and whether it more money would be needed again next year.

Independent Senator Joan Dillas Wright said she was pleased to see work being done to aid young people and their families, and stressed the importance of helping abuse victims.

Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley said the United Bermuda Party supports the increase in spending on projects addressing social challenges.

"It's good to see everybody in the community, including the Opposition, wants to devote attention to these issues we see on the doorstep at this time," said Sen. Dunkley.

He also asked for more details about the sexual offenders list, including how often it is updated, how far back it goes and how many people are on it.

Senate President Walwyn Hughes asked if a more appropriate name could be found for the Psycho-Education programme, to avoid any negative connotations.

n FURTHER SENATE REPORTS IN FRIDAY'S PAPER