Intensive Parent Support Program

Participant Prerequisite:   Aboriginal parents referred by a Ministry of Children and Family Development.
This program operates under a closed intake MCFD referral process.  Download Referral Form.

Program Description

Kwen'an'latel Intensive Parent Support Program was designed specifically by the local Aboriginal community to meet the needs of urban Aboriginal parents.It is culturally appropriate and relevant to the circumstances in which we live today. Participants receive individual advice and supportive feedback on a weekly basis depending on their individual needs.

Program Stages

Stage one is the stabilization stage (3 to 6 months) where the Family Development Worker assesses the clients needs and presenting issues and provides the client with support and resources in order to prepare for the intensive components of stage two.

Stage two is the parenting skills and education components of the program (3 to 6 months) during this component the client attends a 12 week group twice a week for four hours in addition to parenting skills sessions once a week with their Family Development Worker and their children, this allows the client to work on specific skills and provide the Family Development Worker with an opportunity to observe the client's progress. Upon completion of the group component and the return of the children, if the children have been in care, the client moves to stage thee.

Stage three is the maintenance component of the program (minimum 3 months) during this component the Family Development Worker meets with the client in the home to continue the skills development and aid in the re-unification process of the family.

Philosophy

The philosophy of this program is to provide "at-risk" Aboriginal families experiencing Ministry involvement with an opportunity to enhance their parenting skills through a traditional approach to healing.

Needs Addressed

Aboriginal families, who are experiencing Ministry involvement due to challenges in parenting, including:

• Abuse to children
• Addiction issues
• Lack of parenting skills
• Co-parenting skills
• Violence / abuse within the relationship

Program Services

In addition to the many cultural and artistic activities offered, stage two of the Kwen'an'latel program provides information from an Aboriginal perspective on the following topics:

• Telling Our Stories, Self Awareness
• Addictions & Parenting
• Colonization & Residential School Healing
• Trauma & Parenting
• Communication Skills and Boundary Setting
• Breaking the Cycle of Violence
• Grief & Loss
• Positive Parenting & Child Development
• Life Skills
• Nutrition
• Self-Care & Identity

Goals

• Increased parenting skills among Aboriginal families
• All Aboriginal children will grow up in a safe and healthy environment
• Aboriginal families remain connected to their family of origin and are aware of their cultural identity.

Outcomes

• Participants skills and awareness will increase to effectively parent their children.
• Participants will gain an increased understanding of the risks / behaviours that impact the safety of their children.