Family Services

Our Family Service Worker consults with both the Early Childhood Education & Therapy Department staff regarding a variety of issues pertaining to children and families. She also consults with families on an individual basis. She will liaise with the Ministry and outside agencies in regards to support resources for children and families. She is available to parents in the community and at the Centre.

The Family Service Worker assists with case management for the Centre, assisting with the intake process, assessing needs, providing liaison with resources in the region and connecting families with resources and services. Family Services also provides consultation, therapy and group counselling for parents, children and others in the community. The Social Worker works with our other highly qualified departments to assist parents and children in a variety of ways.

This office has also established a “food hamper” to assist those in need. Items included in the food hamper are canned goods, cereals, soup, noodles and household supplies. If you wish to contribute to the food hamper or are in need of some of the items please feel free to drop by the office (located to the left of the front entrance) or call 563-7168 local 210.

Groups

The Family Service worker facilitates a number of groups at the Centre

Sibling Group:

A seven-hour workshop for kids. It’s purpose is to help them understand what having a brother or sister with special needs means to their family. It will also focus on how the sibling can find constructive and appropriate ways to express their feelings and to get their needs met.

The goals of the workshop are as follows:

To provide siblings with an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting.
To provide siblings with an opportunity to discuss common joys and concerns with other siblings
To provide siblings with an opportunity to learn how others handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of special needs children.
To provide siblings with an opportunity to learn more about the implications of their brothers’ or sisters’ special needs.
To provide parents with an opportunity to learn about common sibling concerns.

Weekly Coffee Group

The Family Services Department provides a weekly coffee group for parents. This is a casual get together one hour per week. Some parenting tips are provided but is very informal and is parent directed.

1,2,3,4 Parents!

Is parenting your child tougher than you thought it would be? Attend a 3 session workshop and learn: why your child acts like he does, how to keep your child safe, how to bond with your child, how you can discipline your young child and why taking care of yourself is so important.

Rainbows - Grief Support Program

Grief and loss affect all people no matter what age or level of development. Children often do not have the skills to be able to recognize, express or accept their grief. The Rainbows program was created to help children develop the skills to grow beyond the pain of loss they are experiencing. Children will also get the opportunity to offer support to their peers as part of the Sunbeams program which will help to build the children’s self esteem and enable children to form trusting relationships with their peers.

The Child Development Centre is a natural place to offer the Rainbows program. The facilitators will be members of our Early Childhood Education and Family Services departments, a strong foundation for a trusting environment in which to enhance the groups. This will increase the effectiveness and benefits of the program. Currently there is only one facility in Prince George (Northern British Columbia) that offers the Sunbeams program and there is a need for more.

Friendship Tea

An annual event hosted by the Family Services Department for families with children under the age of three who attend a program at the CDC. It is an opportunity for a casual get together to form new friendships within a supportive role.

For further information , call Tanya at (250)563-7168 Ext 210