New Brunswick’s child poverty rate is higher than the national average. Because child poverty is a risk factor for poor health and development, adopting a Community Social Pediatrics (CSP) model in NB will improve the well-being of children and disrupt the generational poverty cycles in our community and across the province.
The collaborative approach of CSP provides children and their families with the appropriate care, support, and community resources to address individual needs. CSP clinics allow for various child- and family- specific needs to be met in one location, improving overall health and quality of care.
The Community Social Pediatrics model of care was developed by Quebec pediatrician, Dr. Gilles Julien, who recognized that children living in difficult conditions often lack access to important healthcare services. To fill this gap in healthcare delivery, Dr. Julien established a community-based model with the goal of providing care to vulnerable and at-risk children. Community Social Pediatrics focuses on the social determinants of health and the voice of the child as per the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Timeline of Social Pediatrics in New Brunswick
About NB Social Pediatrics
2016
The first community social pediatrics clinic opened in Memramcook
2017
Social Pediatrics Research Program launched in Saint John
October 2018
Parent-Child Assistance Program launched in Saint John
September 2019
Strengthening Families Program launched in Saint John
November 2019
The first Community Social Pediatrics clinic in Saint John opened at St. John the Baptist King Edward School