(ANS – León) – The Don Bosco Children’s Project (PNDB) in León, Guanajuato, in collaboration with the Province’s Planning and Development Office (PDO) and the Don Bosco Mondo Mission Office promoted the Social Rehabilitation of Systemically Vulnerable Young People project, planned to address and prevent the consumption of psychoactive substances (such as tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and crystal meth) in adolescents and young people aged between 14 and 17 who are at high risk and vulnerable.

The project began to take shape in November 2023, with a feasibility study that confirmed its viability and relevance. This study not only highlighted the relevance of the model but also underlined the growing demand for initiatives that address these behaviors as an indispensable step toward social reintegration.

A New Model of Care

The project has its roots in the experience of the ‘Building Dreams’ program, also implemented by PNDB with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). During its implementation, it was detected that at least nine out of ten young people attended to were facing a situation of problematic consumption of psychoactive substances, which demonstrated the need for a specific approach. The new project has, therefore, been designed to offer a comprehensive and professional care model based on the Official Mexican Standard 028, which regulates care in rehabilitation centers.

Under the guidance of a highly qualified multidisciplinary team, the planned activities include individual, group, and family therapy, complemented by artistic and sporting activities, all aimed at alleviating the effects of withdrawal syndrome and fostering the personal development of the beneficiaries.

Specialized Centers

The program will have two facilities designed to meet the specific needs of young people:

CEJUSA Valdocco Don Bosco is a space designed to care for boys. Patio Don Bosco will be dedicated to the care of women.

Both centers are equipped to provide a safe and professional environment in which adolescents can begin their journey to recovery.

Inter-institutional collaboration

The implementation of the project has also been made possible thanks to strategic agreements with the Municipal Institute of Youth (IMJU) and the Municipal Presidency of León. These alliances seek to coordinate efforts to offer comprehensive care. The IMJU is committed to providing resources and managing support for the certification of the centers under the standards of the National Commission against Addictions (CONASAMA), thus promoting a quality service. In addition, it participates in the channeling of young people who require attention, reinforcing the impact of the project in the community of León.

A Challenge That Requires Urgent Attention

According to the feasibility study, the problematic consumption of psychoactive substances and addictive behavior in minors is deeply related to two main factors: the influence of organized criminal groups and a dysfunctional family environment, accompanied by a situation of poverty, little access to education, and domestic violence. Faced with this situation, PNDB proposes a professional, ethical, and regulated alternative that not only treats these behaviors but also promotes the social reintegration of minors.

Since the signing of the agreement in August 2024, progress has been made in the recruitment and training of staff, as well as in the preparation of the facilities to receive the beneficiaries in 2025. This project is positioned as a transformative model that seeks to restore hope and dignity to young people in vulnerable situations.