The program empowers parents by teaching them positive parenting strategies, effective decision-making with their child, developmentally appropriate expectations for their child/youth, effective communication, addressing inappropriate behaviour with confidence, and managing crises.
Services are family-driven and based on family needs, including dealing with addictions, family violence, or mental health concerns. Family Specialists coach and mentor parents as they learn how to set family goals, implement those goals and maintain those goals long-term. Parents are connected to local resources that can assist them in achieving their goals.
We used to squash everything down. Now we deal more logically with problems. It never escalates like it used to.Program Participant
Once a family completes the program, Closer to Home offers strengthening sessions for up to one year. At that point, the family could re-enroll in the program or be referred by the Family Specialist to another program that best fits the family’s needs. Re-enrollment in the program is encouraged if the Family Specialist believes the family would benefit.
The Family Matters program currently provides services to children and youth in Calgary. Families in areas surrounding Calgary, such as Airdrie, Cochrane and High River, may also be referred to the Family Matters program but may experience longer wait times.
