Confidential support, and individual and group counselling services
are available for children and youth under 19 years of
age who have experienced, or been exposed to, violence or sexual abuse.
Our programs for kids include:
Sexual Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP)
This program provides one-to-one counselling for children and youth who have experienced
sexual abuse, sexual assault or who are acting out with sexually intrusive behaviours. The program
utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities including play and
expressive therapies, psycho-educational and cognitive behavioural
approaches. These techniques provide a language and safety to explore issues related to abuse experiences. The program provides
assessment, individual treatment planning, crisis intervention,
safety planning, case coordination, and referrals to other resources.
We accept self-referrals, school and ministry referrals, and referrals from other local agencies concerned with child and youth welfare.
Our facilities consist of two large playrooms filled with special toys designed to help children express themselves in play, as adults would with words. These playrooms are a unique resource in this community. Caring therapists trained in art and play therapy work as a team with parents and children to facilitate healing from trauma.
What Is Art Therapy?
Prevention tools for kids, parents and teachers,
including internet safety:
Check out this rich website filled with resources and links about childhood trauma and sexual abuse: www.jimhopper.com
Children Who Witness Abuse Program (CWWA)
This program provides one-to-one support and counselling for children and youth under age 19 who have
been exposed to relationship violence. Support counselling is generally on an individual basis but can also include sibling and/or parent sessions where needed. The CWWA program goal is to promote healing and help children and youth cope with the emotional, social, behavioural and psychological issues arising when a child/youth witnesses the abuse of his/her mother. Our counsellors offer support and information to mothers & caregivers, and also offer a school based educational component focusing on preventing violence against women.
We utilize a variety of counselling
techniques including play, a psycho-educational approach and development of life
skills. Some of the activities include play, art and craft activities, educational support around witnessing abuse, safety planning and personal support counselling to youth who are working through their own relationship issues and challenges. The program offers a safe and supportive environment in
which children and youth can explore their own experiences and become aware of how they
influence their relationships.
How do you tell your child/youth about support counselling?
You may tell your child that she/he will be coming to be with Tina or Melissa in a special playroom every week, where there are lots of toys. If your child wants to know why she/he is going to the playroom, you may say something like "When things are hard for you at home (or at school), sometimes it helps to have a special place to play."
You may tell your youth that sometimes there are situations that are difficult that can be easier to deal with if they have someone neutral to talk to. Young people like to feel they have some control in their lives, and support counselling is a place for them to explore their feelings and frustrations and talk about what they have been through in a safe place. They can decide how much or how little they want to share with the support counsellor and have some say in the direction their support counselling goes. They can choose to talk and/or participate in art and craft activities as well as use the toys in the playrooms if they so desire.
Sessions:
Counselling sessions are 40 minutes in length with time at the end of the session for a snack. Please let us know if this may be problematic due to diet or allergies. Sessions are booked throughout the day, 9 am to 3:15 pm, with limited after school apointments available. Appointments are generally booked on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. A consistent counselling appointment time allows clients to prepare and anticipate sessions. The CWWA program typically sees children for one to twenty sessions, and evaluates their progress both in, and outside of, counselling. His/her file maybe closed at that time unless further crisis occurs. If both support counsellor and parent/caregiver feel that the child could benefit from further ongoing counselling he/she can continue for a period of one to two months depending on his/her needs with the goal being that they will be able to close out from the CWWA program.
It is important to refrain from asking too many questions about your child/youth's session. Rather, listen carefully and allow your child/youth to lead the conversation. The support counsellor has a legal responsibility to protect the safety and privacy of your child/youth. Your child/youth will develop a trusting relationship with his/her support counsellor, and though they will not share the specifics of the sessions with the parent or caregiver, they will share strengths, concerns and general feedback.
We offer two large fully equipped playrooms where children are able to express themselves.
How important is it for children to be in a safe and stabilized atmosphere?
The intention of the CWWA program is to provide counselling services to children/youth whose situations have stabilized. The purpose of counselling is to promote healing and help children cope with the emotional, social, behavioural and psychological issues arising when a child witnesses and/or is exposed to domestic violence. If children are exposed to violence, family conflict, or fearful situations while in counselling, their progress can be seriously impeded.
Difficult situations may not always allow your child to be in a stabilized and safe family atmosphere while accessing support counselling. It is possible for your child to receive support during a short-term period that will alow them to talk about safety planning and education around witnessing violence. This will be at the discretion of the support counsellor and you, the parent/caregiver. All efforts will be made to support you and your child in a supportive, non-judgmental and caring way, with you and your child's safety in mind.
Can a youth seek and consent to his/her own counselling?
Yes, under the Infants Act in BC, a youth may consent to health care that is defined as "anything that constitutes a therapeutic, preventative, palliative, diagnostic, cosmetic or other health related purpose, and includes a course of healthy care." (Infants Act, sec. 17, subsection 1) Though the CWWA does promote parent's involvement in their children/youth's support counselling there may be situations in which this is not possible. Children and youth can ask for and receive support without obtaining their parent or guardian's consent.
For more information and locations in BC where CWWA is offered, click here:
http://www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/womens_services/children-who-witness-abuse/index.htm
For practical information and guidance to do with children who have witnessed abuse, download the following:
Kids Helping Kids Guide
Helping My Child Guide
Interventions with Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Guide
Child Advocacy
Child advocacy support is available at Passage Transition House - call (250) 847-2595 and ask for the Child Advocate. Passage Transition House also offers 24 hour per day crisis intervention,
safety planning, support and referrals for children.
Specialized Victim Assistance
Confidential support for children and youth who are victims of sexaul assault, domestic violence or criminal harassment, and who may or may not be involved
in the criminal justice system as victims or witnesses is available. Emotional support, information on the criminal justice system, court tours and court accompaniment are offered. In the case of a small child who will testify in court, information and supports are offered to the parents so that they are better able to support their child through the process. See more on Specialized Victim Assistance by clicking on the 'For Women' tab at the top of this page.
Youth Forensic Support Services
For youth who are involved as offenders in the criminal justice system and who are working on healthier lives, Youth Forensic Support Serivces provides confidential one-to-one counselling services, relapse
prevention, goal setting, problem solving and opportunities to identify
and address self defeating behaviours.
SAFETY NUMBERS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Help Line: 310-1234
Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868
Teen Crisis Line: 1-888-564-8336
Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433
Youth Against Violence: 1-800-680-4264
Smithers Ambulance: 250-847-8808
B.V.District Hospital: 250-847-2611
Smithers RCMP: 250-847-3233
Ministry of Children and Family Development: 250-847-7727
Passage Transition House: 250-847-2595
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