Resources for Families


Children and Youth with Special Needs Services (CYSN)

If a child has a diagnosis of a developmental disability, a diagnosis of Autism, or has been approved for services through the At Home Program, services are available to the children and their families. A CYSN social worker is assigned to families for assistance. Hand out available for families with service description.

  • Phone: 250-334-5820
  • Address: 2455 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2M2

Children and Youth Mental Health (CYMH)

Your local CYMH office offers a range of free and voluntary mental health services and supports for children from 0-18 years of age and their families. These services include assessments, therapy and treatment, education and referrals to specialized programs and resources. Hand out available.

Walk in, in-take clinic for our area:

  • Address: 2455 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2M2
  • Open Hours: Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wachiay Friendship Centre – FASD Keyworker

Key Workers provide assistance to families with children and youth (ages 0-19) who may have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or other complex developmental behavioural conditions (CDBC) that are similar in nature to FASD. Key Workers act as a guide to the family, helping to coordinate services across systems. Key Workers can also support families who are going through the process of a formal assessment for their child.

Helping Hands Program

Wachiay’s Helping Hands program provides emergency food bags for individuals and families, and other services such as access to prescription medications, on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Director of First Impressions, at 778-225-0292 for assistance.

Comox Valley Family Services

Services Offered by this Organization:

  • Collaborative Planning Program
  • Community-based Victim Services – Domestic Violence
  • Community-based Victim Services – Sexual Violence
  • Creating Calm – Child and Youth Anxiety Group
  • Family Development Program
  • Healthy Families Program
  • Sexual Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP)

BC Healthy Kids Program

This program helps low income families with the costs of basic dental care and prescription eye wear for their children (under the age of 19). Phone: 1-800-663-7100. Brochure available.

Comox Valley Child Development Association

The Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA) provides evidenced-based intervention to children under the age of 6 through the use of qualified staff members. Services include family supports and social groups for school-aged children, youth, and young adults. (13-17)

BEAR Essentials Program

Bear Essentials support is available to help cover travel costs associated with receiving health care that is unavailable in a child/youth’s home community e.g. transportation, parking, food, accommodation; medical or therapeutic equipment to address special needs e.g. Orthotics, insulin pump, specialized seating; therapeutic resources to support a child/youth e.g. Specialized formula, and non-insured medications. Handout available

Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island is Vancouver Island’s largest childcare provider and is trusted by more parents and caregivers than any other childcare provider. The BGCCVI is a registered NonProfit organization and charitable organization.

Parenting program offered in the Comox Valley include:

  • Parenting Without Power Struggles (ages 8-12)
  • Parents in the Know (ages 12-18)
  • Parents Together (ages 13-18)

Comox Valley Triple P

Triple P is a Positive Parenting Program that promotes good communication and strong relationships between parents and children. This positive approach to parenting helps parents promote their children’s development and manage their children’s behavior in a constructive and caring way. Calendar available.

Confident Parents/Thriving Kids

A family-focused phone-based coaching service effective in reducing mild to moderate behavioural problems and promoting healthy child development in children ages 3-12. This is offered at no cost to BC families, and coaches are available to speak with parents during day, evening and weekend hours to meet each family’s needs. Brochure available.

Centralized Referral System

This Comox Valley Division of Family Practice service assists unattached patients with complex needs and/or age 70+ in finding a family physician. Patients referred may be frail elderly in the community/in care, moms and babies, people with MHSU challenges, and/or complex physical and medical needs. The referral process is easy for agencies, physicians and patients to use.

Websites


bc211

bc211 is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing free information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. Link to BC211.

Anxiety BC

This site provides information to help understand anxiety, as well as resources and tools to help manage anxiety. Link to Anxiety BC.