B.C. government to fund program for parents with child behavioural issues

The Ministry of Children and Family Development is investing $1.49 million in a program that offers support to parents who have children with behavioural issues.

The 'Confident Parents: Thriving Kids' program is run through the Canadian Mental Health Association B.C. Division (CMHABC). There is no charge for parents, but participation requires a referral from a doctor or practitioner.

The program operates province-wide and links parents with coaches over the phone.

Minister for Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux says the program has been popular since launching in 2015.

"We know there's a demand. It's a new program and we are measuring it. We think it has great potential."

Positive parenting practices

According to the CMHABC website, the coaching service targets parents of children aged 3 to 12. It claims to help reduce mild to moderate behavioural problems and promote healthy child development.

Paula Littlejohn is a mother of two who was referred to the program. Her 13 year-old son suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has a learning disability.

"You never want to give up your kids, you want to be there for them. For me, it just gave me the direction I needed so it was positive," said Littlejohn.

Behavioural issues on the rise

Cadieux said the funding is important because behavioural issues are becoming more widespread among young children.

"Kids today are faced with increasingly complex issues at a much younger age; behavioural problems and attention deficit disorders are on the rise."

Cadieux says since the program started in 2015, there have been more than 1,585 referrals by 408 different physicians in 78 communities throughout B.C.