
FAQ



What is the SHINE program?
The SHINE program consists of two interactive workshops (SHINE and SHINE Jr.) for students in Cycles 2 & 3, as well as Secondary 1. SHINE aims at preventing youth from running away and falling victim to sexual exploitation by educating and equipping students to foster safe choices. SHINE is an acronym for Self-esteem – Healthy Relationships – Independence – No Means No – Egalitarian.
Does the program meet the objectives of the sexuality education curriculum?
Are there any costs associated with the program?
The workshops are offered in exchange for a symbolic donation to the Missing Children’s Network. This amount will cover, among other things, travel and printing costs of materials distributed following every workshop. It is also possible to issue a statement of account if required by your administration.
Does the program contain several parts?
The program consists of two workshops that are independent of one another. These are unique sessions.
SHINE Jr. is tailored for Cycle 2 students (Grades 3 & 4).
SHINE is for Cycle 3 students (Grades 5 & 6) and Secondary 1.
What is the duration of the workshops?
SHINE and SHINE Jr workshops are 60 minutes in length. However, the workshop offered to Secondary 1 students is 75 minutes.
It is possible to shorten or lengthen the presentations and adapt them to your schedule, especially if your periods are shorter or longer. Please note that in the event that we must shorten the workshop, we may have to remove certain activities from the presentation.
Is the workshop given in person or in virtual format?
The workshop is available in both formats according to your needs. It is also possible that we suggest the virtual format for schools in remote areas. Have no fears! The pandemic allowed our team to adapt the workshops for at-distance learning ensuring that all students have a positive experience.
What qualifications do your facilitators possess?
With over 35 years of personal safety and interventions in missing children cases, the Missing Children’s Network was able to build a program that reflects increased knowledge of the protective factors with respect to runaways and sexual exploitation. Developed by a team of Sexologists, the program is delivered by Sexologists and psychosocial workers.
I would like to personally lead a workshop - Is this possible?
Yes, most certainly! We offer professionals the opportunity to be trained to deliver the workshop within your milieu. This three-hour training session will provide concrete tools to facilitate the workshop and answer any questions that may arise.
What is the situation of sexual exploitation in Quebec and why should it be addressed?
- Runaways are vulnerable as soon as they leave their homes making them easy prey for predators who promise them a more glamourous life, but at what price?
- Our in-house stats show that one in every three runaways is a victim of sexual exploitation.
- The sexual exploitation of youth is a serious issue that is occurring to youth right here in Quebec.
- SHINE was designed to help pre-teens develop healthy and egalitarian friendships and relationships.
- Understanding the importance of saying NO and setting physical, emotional and virtual limits are key to preventing youth from falling victim to acts of aggression and exploitation.
- Child sexual exploitation is the sexual abuse of minors and involves youth being manipulated into exchanging sexual favours for money, shelter, clothing, drugs, food, transportation, love or acceptance.
- Sexual exploitation of teens can take many forms: prostitution, pornography, stripping, dancing topless, escort services and erotic massages.
- All forms of sexual exploitation are illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada and should be reported immediately.
- Victims can be of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or religion.
- Exploiters target and prey on the vulnerability of young people and groom them by gaining their trust, showering them with affection and attention and promising a better and more glamourous life.
- All schools and youth-serving organizations in Quebec are invited to take part in this program.

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950 Beaumont Avenue
Suite 103
Montreal (Quebec)
H3N 1V5