ABORIGINAL CHILD AND YOUTH WELLNESS PROGRAM

Aboriginal Children's Mental Health Demonstration Project

at The Ininew Friendship Centre

ANDREE GERVAIS

Program Coordinator

Call 272-4497 Extension 26

The Aboriginal Children's Mental Health Demonstration Project's Objective is to ensure that the healing and wellness needs of Aboriginal children (between the ages of 7 and 15) are addressed by implementing the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy at the local level.

To reduce the incidence of drug, alcohol, and solvent abuse addiction, as well as, providing a holistic approach in meeting the needs of Aboriginal children facing mental health issues.

Individual and Family Services:

To identify and assess children and/or their families in need of healing and wellness services.
To intervene in crisis situations and to provide follow-up and support
To provide appropriate referral and on-going liaison services
To promote healthy lifestyles by conducting home visits, workshops, seminars and public education forums
To promote addictions free life-style and positive mental health through one-on-one counseling, self-help programs, alternative activities programming, and after-care.
To assist Aboriginal clientele to regain their culture through mentorship programs and traditional ceremonies.
To work with in-house programs to promote a coordinated approach to healing and wellness.

The Aboriginal Community:

To coordinate sharing circles for children and/or their families
To facilitate community events to promote healing, wellness, addictions free activities, family interaction and cultural awareness.
To initiate community development activities which will lead to healthy families and lifestyles.
To provide recreational, socialization and traditional life-skill alternatives to destructive behaviour.

Other Community Services:

To establish a system of referrals, as well as creating relationships with community resources to increase cultural sensitivity and awareness.
To promote linkages among community agencies so that the Aboriginal community will have greater access to holistic and wellness approaches.

Phone; 705-272-4497 Ext. 26 Fax; 705-272-3597