NSDP provides individual and group counselling services and resources
to youth under 19 years of age.
Our programs for youth and teens include:
Sexual Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP)
This program provides one-to-one counselling for youth/teens who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault or are acting out with sexually intrusive behaviours. The program utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities including play and expressive therapies, psycho-educational and cognitive behavioral 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.
Caring therapists trained in art therapy work as a team with parents, youth and teens 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/teens under age 18 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 youth/teens cope with the emotional, social, behavioral and psychological issues arising when they witness the abuse of his/her mother or other key person in their lives. Our counsellors offer support and information to 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 youth and teens can explore their own experiences and become aware of how they influence their relationships.
How do you tell your youth/teen about support counselling?
You may tell your youth/teen that somtimes 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, if desired. 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 youth/teens 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 youth/teen 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 youth/teen's session. Rather, listen carefully and allow them to lead the conversation. The support counsellor has a legal responsibility to protect the safety and privacy of your youth/teen. They will develop a trusting relationship with their support counsellor, and though the counsellor will not share the specifics of the sessions with the caregiver, they will share strengths, concerns and general feedback.
How important is it for program clients to be living in a stabilized environment?
The intention of the CWWA program is to provide counselling services to youth/teens whose situations have stabilized. The prupose of counselling is to promote healing and help clients cope with the emotional, social, behavioral and psychological issues arising from witnessing and/or being exposed to domestic violence. If youth/teens are exposed to violence, family conflict, or fearful situations while in counselling, their progress can be seriously impeded.
If their living environment is not stabilized, It is possible for your youth/teen 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. All efforts will be made to support you and your youth/teen 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/teen 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 youth/teen's support counselling there may be situations in which this is not possible. Youth and teens can ask for and receive support without obtaining their parent's 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/youth/teens 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 (SVAP)
SVAP offers 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. 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. Find resources for preparing children and youth to testify in court by scrolling down on our Resources page.
Youth Forensic Services
Youth ages 12-21 yrs with current or recent involvement with the
criminal justice system. Provides confidential one-to-one counselling
services, relapse prevention, goal setting, problem solving and
opportunity to identify and address self defeating behaviours.
SAFETY NUMBERS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Helpline: 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 & Family Development: 250-847-7727
Passage Transition House: 250-847-2595
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