Programs

Our free programs provide support for children and youth who have a loved one with a mental illness

teens walking down stairs downstairs smiling

BCSS Youth programs

Kids, Tweens, and Teens in Control are free education and support programs for children and youth (aged 8-18) who have a family member with mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. These programs aim to foster resilience and increase the knowledge and understanding of mental illness.

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Our programs

Drop-in programs

Join our virtual youth support group drop-in sessions

Youth in BC who have a loved one with a mental illness or substance use disorder can join our monthly online drop-in groups for ongoing support. These drop-in sessions give youth the opportunity to stay connected with peers and talk in a safe virtual space. Contact us for more info about when the different groups meet.

join a drop-in session
BCSS Youth you can care for yourself sticker

Join a BCSS Youth program.

Join our Kids and Teens in Control programs to connect with peers, access resources, and find support in navigating mental health challenges. You're not alone.

REFERRAL FORM
young girl smiling with arms propped up on pool edge

How to join a program

The Kids and Teens in Control programs accept participant referrals throughout the year. These referrals come from a variety of sources, including healthcare professionals, community agencies, counsellors, and family members and caregivers. Youth 14+ can self-refer.

Referral Form

“She was in a safe place and could be herself.

This program was very valuable. My daughter came out of her shell and talked about things. This was a unique program like no other. She said she was in a safe place and could be herself.

PARENT OF KIDS IN CONTROL PARTICIPANT

“I didn’t feel alone anymore.

In Teens in Control, I learned about how to communicate with my family a lot better. I loved the classes and talking to the other girls. I didn’t feel alone anymore. I could finally talk about what was going on at home, and everyone understood and listened. I thought the class was amazing!

TEENS IN CONTROL PARTICIPANT

“I really enjoyed realizing that I’m not alone.

There [are] many people my age going through the same thing, and I didn’t realize. … I realized that so many people in the world are going through something the same or something close.

TWEENS IN CONTROL PARTICIPANT

“Every aspect of the program was beneficial to my daughter.

[My daughter] has become less anxious and is a lot more aware of dealing with her emotions. Knowing that she’s not the only one dealing with a family member with an illness has been huge for her.

Kirk, parent of a KIC participant

“I used to feel really alone and confused about my parent’s mental illness.

But ever since I joined the support group, I've found friends who get what I'm going through. We talk, share, and learn together. It's like having a second family that understands me.

E, 12 years old

Frequently asked questions

    • Participants of BCSS Youth programs are children and youth who have a loved one with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Participants must be between 8-18 years old and live in BC. We do not offer programs specifically for youth and children experiencing mental illness themselves.

    • Programs are held virtually or in-person. Each program has a minimum of two trained facilitators–professionals with experience in youth mental health. Programs include age-appropriate games, crafts, open discussions, and presentations to help educate participants about mental illness. Youth are given a safe space to talk, connect with others, and learn they’re not alone.

    • Program activities, discussions, and games help children and youth learn healthy coping strategies, self-care, boundary setting, and communication skills.

      Key takeaways include:

      •   Mental illness is common, and they are not alone in their experiences
      •   Mental illness is not their fault, and it’s not their responsibility to take care of or fix their loved one
      •   Age-appropriate information about the emotional and physical symptoms of mental illness and its treatment
      •   Knowledge about societal attitudes and stigma
      •   How to identify and process feelings
      •   How to practice communication and listening skills
      •   Healthy boundaries, self-care strategies, and means to cope with stress

    • Children and youth can be referred to the program from a variety of sources, including healthcare professionals, community agencies, social workers, teachers, counsellors, and family members/caregivers. Youth 14+ may self-refer. You can find a printable version of our referral form HERE.

    • No. We offer services to children with or without a diagnosis of their family member. Kids and Teens in Control facilitators work collaboratively with parents and their child’s team to identify ways of understanding and meeting the child’s needs. Together, we find the appropriate group situation for the child or youth.