Youth and Family Services

All of our programs address housing instability, life skills, mental health and social / community connections. Individually, Supportive recovery addresses specific needs with regard to youth using substances. Turning Point addresses specific needs with regard to safety (youth at risk of sexual exploitation, trans, homelessness). YP3 addresses specific needs to prenatal care, young parenting, and often MCFD involvement & advocacy.

All of our programs are voluntary, open to all genders and reside in a care home situated in Greater Victoria.

Victoria Youth Program for Enhanced Recovery (V.Y.P.E.R.)

V.Y.P.E.R. is a full-time residential recovery program for youth ages 13 – 19 who are experiencing problematic substance use which they are wanting to address. Youth stay in care family homes while in the program, and may stay for 3-9 months, with 3 months of after-care should the youth choose. Youth work one-on-one with a Youth and Family Counsellor (YFC) who help support them throughout the recovery process, in developing a transition plan, setting and working on goals, education and accessing community resources. V.Y.P.E.R. engages youth in day, evening, and weekend programming, with a variety of recreational, life skills, and substance use recovery activities.

Turning Point

Turning Point is a short-term residential program for youth experiencing personal safety issues. The duration of the program is typically 4-6 months. Youth work on-one-one with a YFC to set goals, connect them to resources, and develop a transition plan, of returning to the family home or accessing a Youth Agreement. Youth are required to have a day plan for Turning Point, such as going to school and/or working.

The Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program (YP3)

The Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program (YP3) helps young women who are pregnant or in the early months of parenting (aged 13-24) youth by facilitating independent living in a Care Family home, for up to one year, and promotes positive parenting strategies through one-on-one and group counselling. Each youth is paired with a Youth and Family Counsellor who will support them to develop life skills, access community resources, increase knowledge of infant care, and encourage healthy relationships. Through supported independent living in a stable and caring environment, the young moms can acquire the skills needed to reach their potential as independent women and skilled parents.

Best Babies

Best Babies is funded through the Vancouver Island Health Authority and offers support to pregnant women and their newborns up to 68weeks of age. Women attend weekly group sessions that cover topics including prenatal education, health, nutrition and infant care. Women have an opportunity to socialize over a nutritious lunch. Childminding is offered during the educational session for families who have older children over 6 months. Parents also receive food vouchers, bus tickets, vitamins, information and other support when needed. Weekly discussions led by Public Health Nurse, Dietician, Dental Hygienist or Boys & Girls Club Youth & Family Counsellor.