BGC Parenting's List: Core Victoria

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Laurie Hill
Coordinator
Family Development Program
lhill@phoenixhumanservices.org
250 383-4821 ext. 512

Human Service Association
Referrals are received from the Ministry of Children and Family Development

Reduce the identified risk of abuse and/or neglect of children as outlined by MCFD Child Protection Workers;
Develop and maintain parenting skills regarding parent-child interactions, child developmental stages, discipline, guidance and behaviour management;
Strengthen family functioning by addressing such issues as family violence, substance abuse, mental illness and family of origin experiences;
Reduce parent/teen conflict;
provide safe and positive supervised visitation between children and parents when children are in the care of MCFD; and
provide referrals and assist individuals to connect to other community services and programs

The Parent-Child Connection
LIFE seminars
250-595-2649

Spectrum High School:
957 Burnside Road West
through Gordon Head Rec Centre 475-7100

In the Parent-Child Connection, the lectures and discussion groups look at how family patterns, relationships, communication, and conflict resolution skills, influence the development of a child's self-esteem and their ability to respect not only their own boundaries, but also those of others. Parents will look back at their own family of origin to see how the belief systems of their parents influenced their personal development and their beliefs about parenting.
This program looks at the parenting approaches that say: "I was raised that way, and I turned out okay," and "I'll never do what my parents did" - and challenges parents to find balance.
LIFE Seminars recognizes the importance of the connection or relationship between a child and their parents. This course explores ways in which to build and maintain that relationship during any stage of the child's development.

How long? 8 weeks
How many sessions? 8

Successful Communication - The Power of Words and How to Use Them, The Spirit of Listening, Working Through Issues and Conflicts, Emotion Coaching.
Where are the Boundaries? - Where the Parent Ends and the Child Begins
Assertive Parents - Assertive Kids, The Deeper Meaning of Discipline.
Relationship Building - Developing Emotional Intelligence, When Getting Closer Means Letting Go, Self-Esteem in Parent - Self-Esteem in Child.

Communication, healthy family boundaries, effective discipline, understanding normal behaviour, planning ahead with antecedent management and self-esteem.

Who is the program for?
What is the target age group?

evenings 7-9:30

Sidestepping the Power Struggle
LIFE Seminars
250-595-2649

Held at Spectrum High School:
957 Burnside Road West
through Gordon Head Rec Centre 475-7100

Sidestepping the Power Struggle is a practical, hands on course for parents and professionals dealing with children. It explains why your children act like they do giving you tools to work with your own child and their unique temperament. Covering positive discipline and letting go of parental control, this course teaches you to surrender "kid issues" to the kids. Stop fighting needless battles but keep the framework of limits clear and "not up for grabs."
LIFE Seminars recognizes that parenting is a demanding job filled with everyday challenges and struggles. This course explores ways in which to identify and minimize these struggles effectively.

How long? 8 weeks (also offered as a 1 day mini workshop)
How many sessions? 8

communication, healthy family boundaries, effective discipline, understanding normal behaviour, planning ahead with antecedent management and self-esteem.

For parents and professionals dealing with children

Single: $125.00/Couple: $195.00/Course Binder: $35.00
Held in evenings

Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP)
Victoria Native Friendship Center
Phone: 250-384-3211

Works with families in respectful ways to support families and their infants through their early developmental stages.
Culturally sensitive, voluntary and family centered.
Support consists of home visits, activity planning to support infant growth and development, developmental screening and assessment, resource information, referrals to community agencies and health services as needed, service coordination to support children's needs, a lending library that includes books, videos, and toys.

This program is designed for Aboriginal families from across the region who have children from birth to three years of age. AIDP provides support to families where there is a child from birth to age three years who is showing developmental delays or is at risk of developmental concerns.

The Victoria Native Friendship Center provides an array of support services for Aboriginal families.

Making the Connection
Victoria Native Friendship Center

Regarding future program deliveries please call
Cheryl Killam or Jessica Bender at 250-384-3211.

Part of the Aboriginal Early Intervention Team.
This is a fun parenting program that promotes positive connections between parents and their baby (birth to 36 months). Combining fun activities to do with baby, and parent discussions, this parenting program works to support parents in their interactions with their babies in ways that promote love, communication and learning. Parents will leave the program with a photo album and DVD of their experiences with their baby and a music CD (VNFC).

For Aboriginal Children and Families

This program is currently running weekly on Wednesdays January 26, 2011 to March 09, 2011 from 11:00 to 12pm.
Bus tickets to come to the program are available and child minding will be available for children under the age of 6 years.

Space is limited to 8 families so please register early. To register for this program or obtain information regarding future program deliveries please call Cheryl Killam or Jessica Bender at 250-384-3211.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

The Victoria Native Friendship Center provides an array of support services for Aboriginal families.

Caught in the Middle
BC Families in Transition
812 Broughton Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1E4
Phone: (250)-386-4331
Fax: (250-386-4301
E-mail: info@bcfit.org

A program for children and parents who are separated or divorced.
"Parenting is often challenging and complex as all family members hurt and face fundamental change over a considerable period of time. Children often experience a range of feelings when parents separate. They often have difficulty understanding these feelings and can feel torn by divided loyalty.
Caught in the Middle offers all family members the opportunity to explore the changes that have happened in the family, with a primary focus on the parent-child relationship."

Parents and children participate in separate peer support groups led by professionally-trained facilitators.
Previous partners do not participate in the same group or on the same night.
The groups provide a safe place to discuss the challenges of separation in a supportive, confidential, and neutral learning environment

Parents (10 weeks) look at:
communication skills, ways to take care of yourself, building healthy boundaries, taking the child out of the middle, problem solving techniques, separation through the eyes of the child and understanding and managing feelings in the parent-child relationship.
Children (8 weeks) look at how to cope with difficult feelings, distinguishing between parents' problems and children's problems, anger issues and relaxation.

Parents-10 weeks
Children-8 weeks
10 sessions

for parents and their Children ages 6 - 12 years

Parenting With a New Partner
BC Families in Transition
812 Broughton Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1E4

Phone: (250)-386-4331
Fax: (250-386-4301
E-mail: info@bcfit.org

Emotional and practical support to help parents successfully navigate the unique challenges and complexities that often arise when parenting with a new partner.
Parents and their partners are given an opportunity to meet with others in similar situations. In 16 hours of discussion, listening and learning we will explore: How do family dynamics change when a new partner is introduced? What are the common issues, and how can they be managed effectively? Where are you coming from? Exploring your part in the new family and looking at some alternative parenting tools. Exploring the changes, challenges and expectations of your new family. Exploring communication skills, handling difficult emotions, and conflict resolution for families in transition. Exploring ways to strengthen the couple relationship.
Exploring ways to build strong family relationships.

8 weeks
How many sessions?

Parents in a new relationship finding parenting with a new partner a challenge.

What is the average social economic status?
What is the target age group?

An appointment is needed prior to registration.
Costs dependent on income
6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m
Childcare available?

QUALIFICATIONS of STAFF?
ADDITIONAL TRAINING?
DO YOU OFFER OTHER RESOURCES AS A SUPPORT?
Community Network Commitee?

Parenting After Separation
BC Families in Transition
812 Broughton Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1E4

Phone: (250)-386-4331
Fax: (250-386-4301
E-mail: info@bcfit.org

For parents who are separated or seperating

Free information sessions to help families to adjust to the challenges following family separation are being offered by the province of British Columbia. Parents are invited to attend a three-hour workshop led by facilitators who are experienced in helping families resolve conflicts.

Topics covered in the workshops include:
*the impact of separation on you and your children
*strategies to help families adjust to the changes
*the new child support guidelines
*family dispute resolution options including conciliation, mediation, counselling and the court process
*effective ways to communicate and problem solve to build a positive parenting arrangement

FREE
1 session, three-hour workshop
Workshops on Wednesdays only 6pm - 9pm or 9:30am -12:30pm (depending on the schedule, not offered every Wednesday).
All participants are required to register for the workshop at least two days in advance.

What is the average social economic status?
Childcare available?
QUALIFICATIONS of STAFF?
ADDITIONAL TRAINING?
DO YOU OFFER OTHER RESOURCES AS A SUPPORT?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF A COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MORE INFO ABOUT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF VICTORIA?

Journeys of the Heart Cultural Learning Program
Hulitan Family & Community Services Society

Early Childhood Educator, Julia Ext. 250, julia@hulitan.ca
Caregiver SupportWorker, Suzanne Ext.250, suzanne@hulitan.ca
Caregiver Support Worker, Amanda Ext. 250, akauffman@hulitan.ca

A "cultural learning program for Aboriginal children 2-5 years and their caregivers. This program utilizes culturally appropriate activities to build on the capacity of urban Aboriginal children and families as they prepare to enter the education system"
Holistic development focused.
Supports parents/caregivers as primary teachers of Aboriginal children and supports traditional roles of extended family members in the education of Aboriginal children.

Aboriginal Children and Families

Hulitan Family and Community Services Society also provides Kwe'an'latel Intensive Parent Support Program.

Kwen'an'latel Intensive Parent Support Program
Hulitan Family & Community Services Society
Kwen'an'latel Family Development, Lauren Ext.252, lauren@hulitan.ca
Kwen'an'latel Family Development, Winnie Ext.251, winnie@hulitan.ca
Kwen'an'latel Parent Group Facilitator,Joleen Ext.243, joleen@hulitan.ca


"Kwe'an'latel Intensive Parent Support Program was designed in collaboration with the local Aboriginal community to meet the needs of urban Aboriginal parents and families. The information provided is culturally appropriate and relevant to the circumstances in which we live today" (HFCSS).

This program is designed for any Aboriginal parents who may:
-Be involved with MCFD
-Be at risk of having their child(ren) removed into MCFD care
-Have had or are planning to have, their child(ren) returned to
them from MCFD
-Have a parenting program as part of their risk reduction service
plan

The program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 1:30 pm for 16 weeks and offers education, counseling and support. Participants will receive weekly one-on-one support based on their individual needs.

Access is a closed intake MCFD referral process


Hulitan Family and Community Services Society also provides support for families age 6-12 through the Family Advancement Program (Currently being revamped). It also offers 'Journeys of the Heart Cultural Learning Program' an innovative cultural learning program for Aboriginal children 2-5 years and their caregivers.

Mentor Program
The FPSS Foster Parent Support Services Society

REGIONAL OFFICE
Serving All Areas:
1-888-922-8437
AREA OFFICES
South Island
Tel: 250-598-1500 / Fax: 250-598-8810
3175 Harriet Road
Victoria, BC V9A 1T7
http://fpsss.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/FPSSS-Mentor-Brochure.pdf

How long?
Mentoring Program for Foster Parents
Mentoring provides an opportunity to contribute to the quality of fostering practice by helping new foster parents improve their skills and knowledge and helping foster parents remain in fostering. It is also an opportunity to help current foster
parents in their own growth and development. Some of the other benefits might be developing their own caregiving skills.

What is the average social economic status?
What are the costs?
QUALIFICATIONS of STAFF?

Aboriginal Parent Support Circle - Victoria

Affiliated with Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Support Services of BC, our Circles provide emotional and educational support to parents and caregivers of Aboriginal children. Weekly circle meetings are organized and led by trained Aboriginal volunteer facilitators.
Victoria Office
parent-support@shaw.ca
1.800.377.0212

How long?
How many sessions?
What?
Theory and practice?
Who is the program for?
What is the average social economic status?
What is the target age group?
How is the program accessed?
What are the costs?
Times of day?
Childcare available?
QUALIFICATIONS of STAFF?
ADDITIONAL TRAINING?
DO YOU OFFER OTHER RESOURCES AS A SUPPORT?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF A COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MORE INFO ABOUT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF VICTORIA?

Support Group
The F.O.R.C.E. Society for Kids Mental Health in Victoria
Call: Lisa Hansen 250-479-1192 or 604-878-3400
Web: www.forcesociety.com
the first Wednesday of each month
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Place: Pearkes Recreation Centre ( Saanich Neighbourhood room), 3100 Tillicum Rd (Behind Silver City), Saanich
For information or to enquire about child minding: Lisa Hansen 479-1192 or Robin Herron 744-1630

Ongoing, monthly parent networking and support group for those whose children and youth struggle with mental health issues.
Peer support for parents with children with mental health issues

What is the average social economic status?
What is the target age group?
How is the program accessed?
What are the costs?

7:00-9:00 PM
Childcare available upon request

QUALIFICATIONS of STAFF?
ADDITIONAL TRAINING?
DO YOU OFFER OTHER RESOURCES AS A SUPPORT?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF A COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MORE INFO ABOUT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF VICTORIA?

Parent Awareness Program (Victoria)
Parent Support Services Society of BC
For more information and to register
contact Parent Support Services Victoria at
(250) 384-8042

FREE
Once a week for 7 months
Provides parents with a safe and encouraging environment in which to talk about their own family dynamics, to learn skills that benefit the parent/ child relationship and to develop the understanding and tools to better take care of themselves and their families.
Self-Awareness, beliefs, personality styles, parenting styles, child development stages, empathic listening, cooperation, assertiveness, family meetings, identifying feelings, dealing with stress and anger, communication skills, discipline vs. punishment, boundaries, self esteem and self care

For parents with children 0-12

The program is offered to free to parents of children aged 0 - 12
One evening per week for seven months (starting in October)
Childcare? YES
What is the average SES?
What is the target age group?
OTHER RESOURCES
COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE? YES
More info about BGC of greater Victoria? YES

Just for Fathers Group
Community Options BC
830C Pembroke Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8T 1H9
Phone:250-380-6363 Fax:250-389-1110
Email:info@communityoptions.bc.ca
Web:www.communityoptions.bc.ca
For more information about any of the Family Support Programs, please call Kim Banfield at (250) 380-6363 or e-mail Kim at kbanfield@communityoptions.bc.ca.

How long?
How many sessions?
Often men who come to this group have never had the opportunity to meet other fathers who are parenting a child with extra support needs. This program has a flexible agenda and meets the third Thursday of each month. A light dinner is provided.

Theory and practice?

For father's with children with extra support needs
What is the average SES?
What is the target age group?

PROGRAM ACCESS

How is the program accessed?
What are the costs?
This program has a flexible agenda and meets the third Thursday of each month.
Childcare?
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

OTHER RESOURCES
Moms' Support Group
Sibshops & Sibteen Children ages 6 through 16 who have a brother or sister with special needs are invited to join this program. SIBSHOPS participants have an opportunity to meet other children, share their circumstances, learn more about their own sibling, discuss common concerns and take part in a variety of arts, crafts and recreational activities. A number of SIBSHOPS are offered throughout the year for different age groups. Professionally qualified individuals facilitate all of our sibling programs.
Parent to Parent Connections This program was developed with the belief that parents are a unique and valuable resource to each other. A 'resource' parent is connected with a newly referred parent according to that family's needs.
Parent & Family Education A variety of educational opportunities are available to parents or family member

Moms' Support Group
What parenting programs do you offer?
Community Options BC
830C Pembroke Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8T 1H9
Phone:250-380-6363 Fax:250-389-1110
Email:info@communityoptions.bc.ca
Web:www.communityoptions.bc.ca
For more information about any of the Family Support Programs, please call Kim Banfield at (250) 380-6363 or e-mail Kim at kbanfield@communityoptions.bc.ca.

How long?
How many sessions?
Moms' groups are an opportunity for moms to meet informally to support each other by sharing ideas and exchanging information through general discussion and mini-workshop type formats .
For mother's with children with extra support needs
What is the average SES?
What is the target age group?

PROGRAM ACCESS

How is the program accessed?
What are the costs?
The group meets at 9:30 the third Wednesday of each month.
Childcare? Caregiving for children is provided on site

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

OTHER RESOURCES
Just for Fathers Group
Sibshops & Sibteen Children ages 6 through 16 who have a brother or sister with special needs are invited to join this program. SIBSHOPS participants have an opportunity to meet other children, share their circumstances, learn more about their own sibling, discuss common concerns and take part in a variety of arts, crafts and recreational activities. A number of SIBSHOPS are offered throughout the year for different age groups. Professionally qualified individuals facilitate all of our sibling programs.
Parent to Parent Connections This program was developed with the belief that parents are a unique and valuable resource to each other. A 'resource' parent is connected with a newly referred parent according to that family's needs.
Parent & Family Education A variety of educational opportunities are available to parents or family members.

Parent Support Program
Community Living Victoria
3861 Cedar Hill Cross Road
Victoria BC V8P 2M7
communitylivingvictoria.ca
250.477.7231

How long?
How many sessions?
Community Living Victoria provides parents with developmental disabilities the resources they need to best care for their children.

Enhance parent-child relationships;maximize the ability of parents to independently care for their children; provide practical knowledge and information to parents; encourage families to develop personal support systems; assist families in accessing community resources.

For parents with developmental disabilities
What is the average SES?
What is the target age group?

Individuals can call Community Living Victoria directly, or be referred by Community Living BC, a public health professional or other community agencies. Parents must be assessed through Community Living BC as having a developmental disability to be eligible for support.
FREE of cost
Times of day?
Childcare?
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE?
More info about BGC of greater Victoria?

Parent Support Circles
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles
Parent Awareness Program (Victoria)

Parent Support Services Society of B.C.
Victoria Office: 2541 Empire St., Victoria, BC V8T 3M3
Toll Free:1.877.345.9PSS(9777)
Phone: 250.384.8042
Fax: 250.384.8043
E-mail: parent-support@shaw.ca
Program Manager:Debra Whitman

indefinate amount of sessions- no commitment, participants can come and go as they feel the need
Free, confidential, anonymous, weekly meetings of parents who wish to learn new ways to nurture and protect their children.

Self directed peer support
Groups targeted based on age of children, status of parents,new mandarin group
-single parents group
-*new* mandarin group
-parents with children up to 12
-parents with teens

the program for parents looking for support
the program is for everyone

Free of cost
Times of day vary for each program, all offered in evenings, except grandparents support
Parent Support Services is able to provide a small subsidy to pay for child care and transportation, if needed.
Our objective is to remove the financial obstacles that might prevent a parent from attending a Support Circle.

Each self-help parent-support Circle is led by two trained facilitators

COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE? YES
More info about BGC of greater Victoria? YES
Contact: Debra Whitman
250.384.8042

Right From the Start

This program is delivered at the following Community Centers:
Burnside Gorge Community Assn and Saanich Neighbourhood Place (471 Cecilia Road, Victoria (Mondays 9:30-11:30am, Jan 10-Feb 28, 2011 Contact: (250) 360-1148 or (250) 388-5251

Sooke Family Resource Society (2145 Townsend Rd, Sooke (Mondays 1pm-3pm, Jan 17-Mar 7, 2011 (Contact: Teresa (250) 642-5152

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House 511 Constance Ave, Esquimalt (Tuesdays 6pm-8pm, February 1-March 22, 2011 Contact: (250) 385-2635 ext. 207

Beacon Community Services 9860 Third Street, Sidney (Dates & Times TBA

This is a course designed to help parents to connect with their babies. "A healthy parent-child relationship promotes infant attachment security, mental development and well-being. Right From The Start is an 8-session course that uses video clips, problem solving discussions and skill-building exercises"

The program is for parents of children under the age of 2.
Please contact the numbers provided above to access the program.
This program is FREE of charge.

Best Babies
Fernwood Neighborhood Resource Group
1240 Gladstone Avenue Victoria BC V8T 1G6
P:250.381.1552 F:250.381.1509

Germaine Asplin at 250.381.1552, ext. 102
victoriabestbabies@hotmail.com

0-6 months post natal
twice a week (tuesday, wednesday) for pre and post natal. Prenatal only on Thursdays
The Program provides young women/children & families with experiential learning opportunities. Topics of discussion surround prenatal/postnatal education, infant development, struggling with parenting issues; relationship building geared to healthy outcomes, risk management, self advocacy skills.

To assist pregnant women and teens to have healthy birth outcomes. Access to healthy nutrition and education is essential to reaching this goal. The Program is committed to supporting pregnant women/teens to reach their optimum level of health and increase the health status of new born babies.

For pregnant women needing extra support due to limited resources, isolation and/or health issues. You can attend until your infant reaches 6 weeks of age.
What is the average SES? poverty
What is the target age group? Used to be young moms, but now open to all ages

Access the program through the office, connect with a worker, or self-referral
FREE
Day program, starts at noon, they offer lunch
Childcare? NO
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING? wide range, focus on perinatal health
VBB staff consists of a Program Coordinator, Registered Dietician, Public Health Nurse Liaison and Outreach Workers.

If registered in the program- access to food vouchers/ vitamins.
prenatal classes, dietician

COMMUNITY NETWORK COMMITTEE?
YES
More info about BGC of greater Victoria?
YES- especially interested in info on care homes