Programs

Youth Services

Parent Teen Conflict

For families experiencing a high degree of conflict in parent-teen relationships. Families can access a counsellor that offers: consultation, education, mediation and support. This service is offered to both parents and teens.

There is a parenting group specifically for parents who have conflict with their teen(s). Focus is on: communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution. Learn more about this group here. 

For more information on this program and/or group, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545-3572.

Youth at Risk

Supports youth in increasing positive youth engagement, skill building, reducing high-risk behaviours, and providing an environment that is non-threatening and youth-friendly. Service may include a short-term intervention, referral to appropriate resources, connection to mental health among others. Youth may self-refer, or may be referred by one of a variety of other service providers.

For information on this program, or to self-refer, please call (250) 545-3572.

Youth Agreements

Supports youth in:

  • living independently
  • completing their education
  • finding suitable employment
  • life skill development

Youth aged 16 to 19 are referred by MCFD. A social worker assesses youth for eligibility of a Youth Agreement.

Independent Living Program

Similar to Youth Agreement, this program is for youth who are in care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

For information on the Independent Living Program, please contact MCFD Intake office at (250) 558-2700.

Youth Justice

A program for youth on probation, who have been referred to the program by the courts. Service focuses on:

  • life skills development
  • community integration and recreation
  • individual support
  • employment support

For more information on this program, please contact Youth Probation at MCFD at (250) 558-2770.

School Based Outreach Program

For students and families that encounter stressors at home that affect the student’s ability to manage at school. Families are referred by the School Based Team in individual schools. Service is offered in the school and the family home.

For more information on this program, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545-3572.

Family Services

ADD/ADHD Services

For parents whose children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Parents work closely with the family counsellor to:

  • explore and understand the diagnosis
  • review “typical” ADD/ADHD child or teen development
  • identify strengths and related challenges
  • create parenting strategies to help the child be successful in their home, community and school.

For more information about this program, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545-3572.

Young Parents Program

For pregnant and/or young parents (under age of 25). Child and Family Counsellor works with participants to:

  • promote healthy pregnancy and parenting
  • increase safety of children born to young parents
  • strengthen family connections
  • provide knowledge of and access to community resources

For more information on this program, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545-3572.

Family Preservation

Family Preservation is an in-home and community intervention program that supports families with children under 19 to improve the safety and wellbeing of all family members. Counsellors work with caregivers to prevent, reduce or eliminate factors that can put the safety and well-being of children at risk, while identifying strengths and building skills needed to improve communication, build parenting skills, reduce family conflict, increase problem solving and enhance overall family function.

This program is available to families working with the Ministry for Children and Family Development and requires a referral from MCFD. 

Family Based Treatment Program

A voluntary service for families of children/youth age 7-17 with a diagnosed mental health disorder. Service focuses on:

  • coping strategies
  • life skills
  • parenting ability
  • emotional stability

For more information on this program, please contact Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) at (250) 558-2775.

Permanency Planning Program

For children who are being adopted through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). The adoption triad (birth family, foster placement and the adoptive family) collaborate to fit the needs of the children as they adjust to their new family.

For more information on this program, please contact MCFD at (250) 558-2700.

Intensive Family Support Program (IFSP)

A collaborative program developed with MCFD where reunification is the goal. IFSP program builds on the strengths of the family and develops clear and specific goals to support reunification. IFSP is accessed through referral from MCFD.

Parent Coach

Parent Coach is a 12 session therapeutic visitation program that provides education, coaching and support for parents and children during their access visits. Counsellors assist parents to increase safety, enhance healthy attachment relationships and develop sensitive parenting responses that improve the visitation experience for all family members. 

This program is appropriate for parents who are not currently providing primary care for their children and requires a referral from MCFD.

Supervised Visitation

The Supervised Visitation Program provides a supervised access worker to monitor and support visitation between parents and their children. This program provides:

  • Opportunities for families to maintain connections while living apart
  • An environment that ensures physical and emotional safety
  • A comfortable and nurturing environment
  • Supported transitions between caregivers
  • Support during community visits where possible

This program is appropriate for parents who are not currently providing primary care for their children and requires a referral from MCFD.

Supported Needs Program

For families who have a child(ren) diagnosed with supported needs and/or autism spectrum. The child has opportunities to develop life skills while families learn parenting strategies. To access this program please contact Children and Youth with Supported Needs (CYSN) at (250) 549-5404.

For more information on this program, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545-3572.

Specialized Home Services

Mara House

Mara House is a family-oriented, specialized home facility for challenging/vulnerable children age 6 to 16. Parents and caregivers meet with a multi-disciplinary team, including a Clinical Family Specialist, and community specialists. Staff at Mara House provide:

  • a nurtured home life and environment
  • safety and security for all residents
  • positive goal-oriented individual plans

Mara House is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in accordance with the Interior Health Community Care Facility Act. Access to Mara House is done through the Resource Team at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

For more information on Mara House, please contact the Director of Operations and Services at (250) 545-3572.

Sage House

Sage House is a 4 bed regional treatment facility for children and youth with complex needs ages 6-16. Children live in the facility for up to 8 months before they transition back to home/community.

A trauma informed/attachment based foundation is used in developing individualized programs for each child/youth living in the resource.

The facility is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in accordance with the Interior Health Community Care Facility Act. Access to Sage House is through MCFD regional team.

Indigenous Services

In cooperation with Okanagan Indian Band and MCFD, the Indigenous Services program aims to reconnect and/or support the connection of Indigenous children and youth in care with their families, communities and culture.

For more information on this program, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545 3572.

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