Parent-Child Assistance Program

PCAP is for women and birthing people who are 16 years of age or older, and speak/understand English.

PCAP Eligibility:

• Pregnant or up to twelve months postpartum, and up to five (5) years postpartum if space is available.

• Self-report of alcohol and/or drug use during the pregnancy, including marijuana, or opiate replacement therapy.

• Ineffectively engaged with community service providers.

PCAP Advocates provide individualized support and advocacy for three years. A PCAP Advocate will:

• Meet with clients regularly.

• Connect clients to services to help meet their needs.

• Work with clients to identify and achieve their goals.

• Advocate on their behalf, as needed.

• Be a consistent, supportive presence in the client's life.

• Help connect client's children and/partner to services and supports.

Generational adversity occurs when trauma, toxic stress, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact the biology and behaviour of an individual, who then goes on to become a parent. PCAP clients consistently report adversity in their childhood and a lack of social supports as parents. PCAP attempts to disrupt this cycle by supporting clients to stabilize their lives and build a social support network. This, in-turn, helps create a safer, more stable home for their children, and improve the long-term outcomes of the family.