The Kiwehtata Parenting Program is a parent/child development program for Aboriginal families living in Calgary with children 0-3 years of age who want to access services to learn more effective parenting strategies. 90% of participants are referred through Child and Family Services Authority. Families can also self refer to the program by contacting the provider directly. The Kiwehtata Parenting Program is offered on a monthly basis. The program provides transportation, resources and healthy lunches.
The Kiwehtata program consists of a two-week day program offered by the West Central Resource Centre. The program provides complementary in-home support and follow-up one day per week. Participants attend the program with their children, creating an opportunity for parents to apply their newly learned skills. Child-care, a variety of healthy foods and information regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Effects, Post-Partum Depression and Baby Bottle Mouth Syndrome are provided during the program. The Kiwehtata Program is focused on providing an intensive, hands-on parent/child learning experience aimed at enhancing parental skills and reducing risk factors.
Families that successfully engage with the program reduce the risk of their children being removed from the home by Child and Family Services. Those who already have children in the care of Child Welfare learn skills that help them re-gain permanent custody of their children.
For more information on the Kiwehtata Parenting Program, please see our brochure (pdf 2.80 MB) or contact the West Central Resource Centre at 403.543.0550 ext 250 or email kiwehtata@closertohome.com.
