Resources

Demonstration Projects

As part of the CYMH plan, MCFD granted $2 million dollars to the Children's Mental Health Policy Research Program at Simon Fraser University to provide one-time funding for innovative community demonstration projects across British Columbia between October 2004 and March 2006.

As a result of the grant, the following demonstration projects were carried out. Evaluations are currently being completed.

The Children's Foundation - Surrey (Fraser Region)

This project was based on the implementation of an evidence-based parenting program, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), developed in Australia. Of most interest was the targeted application of this program, level 4, and clinical intervention, level 5, which aimed at increasing the community's capacity to help families at risk, especially those with young children, Aboriginal families, and immigrant families. The project was firmly based on a wraparound philosophy and built on community coordination and integration of services.

Fraser Health Authority - Surrey (Fraser Region)

This project focused on the integration of community mental health services for children and youth with primary health care, and on early intervention programs for very young children with mental health needs. This collaborative project between the Fraser Health Authority and MCFD addressed the need for integration of the two systems for early intervention and timely effective treatment of children and youth, for community capacity building, and for an increased primary physician role as mental health care provider.

Tsimshian Tribal Council, Urban Aboriginal Justice Program - Prince Rupert (North Region)

The purpose of this project was to develop programs to identify and prevent suicidal behaviour in Aboriginal youth through the promotion of youth, family and community competencies in a culturally appropriate manner, and to increase early detection of vulnerable and at-risk children and youth. Central to this program was the White Stone Project and the Zuni Life Skills Development Program.

Richmond School Program - Richmond (Vancouver Coastal Region)

This project assisted in reducing barriers of new Chinese-speaking immigrant parents in gaining access to child and youth mental health services, and reduced the occurrence of anxiety which often accompanies transitioning to school in children ages 4 to 6 years old. It consisted of a parent-directed education/support group for parents, and a school-readiness program for children focused on socialization skills and structured learning.

Power to Be - Victoria (Vancouver Island Region)

This project, through a combination of adventure therapy, counseling, social and life skill training, addressed concurrent mental health issues associated with aboriginal youth, youth with substance abuse problems, and youth with eating disorders. Through social, cognitive, cultural and emotional processes of change and empowerment, the program aimed to reduce risk factors and foster the development of competencies and solutions in youth.

Sooke Family Resource Centre - Sooke (Vancouver Island Region)

This project provided a locally based central linkage coordinator or "Navigator" service in cooperation with the Vancouver Island Health Authority and seven local service locations. The service provided both telephone and in-person client access to mental health and addiction services, and community outreach to individuals of all ages in the Sooke catchment area. The service connected clients/patients with appropriate services and facilitated coordination of health professional and social services within and outside the community.

ARC Programs - Kelowna (Interior Region)

ARC Family-Based Treatment Program provides home and community-based treatment for children/youth aged 7 to 17 and their families, who are experiencing difficulties as a result of the child/youth's mental health disorder. The focus is to help the child/youth and family increase their natural and community resources, emotional stability, parenting capacity and interpersonal and life skills.

ARC works with children/youth and their families in their homes and community to help them identify their strengths, challenges and needs. Together with the clinicians at CYMH, the team develops and works through a service plan that supports the family to reach their goals.

Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre Association - Williams Lake (Interior Region)

This multi-agency project provided a school-based primary prevention program for children and families identified as at-risk for current and future mental health problems. It included support for parents to develop a network to reduce stress and isolation, and promoted positive relationships between parent and child, parent and school, and between parent and local community agencies.