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Desert Sun Counselling Programs for Children

Desert Sun Children and Youth CounsellingChildren and Youth Counselling ProgramDesert Sun Children and Youth Counselling

 

Individual and group counselling for children 3-18 years of age, exposed to intense family conflict and/or abuse.
(Funded by Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, The United Way and Silver Sage Winery).

 

Program Purpose:

 

  • To support children and youth and help them learn new skills.
  • To promote attitude and behavior change in ways that will help the child or youth feel safe, and better able to succeed socially and academically

 

CWWA Program Goals:

 

To directly help children and youth exposed to violence in relationships.
To provide a safe and playful setting for children and youth 3-18, within which to discuss their trauma and learn to manage their response to their exposure to domestic violence.
To develop parental awareness of how domestic violence affects their children.
To interrupt, break the cycle of violence.

 

Over 500,000 Canadian homes live with domestic violence
Children are present during 80% of spousal assault cases
Violent behavior is learned. 40-60% of assaultive men have witnessed abuse themselves
One in four spousal assault incidences involve children being hurt or threatened
Children exposed to domestic violence are at a high risk to develop serious emotional and behavioral problems

 

How You Can Help to End Violence:

 

Buy a t-shirt, especially designed for the children and youth counselling program. 100% of proceeds from each t-shirt provides one hour of direct service. Available at Desert Sun in Oliver or Silver Sage Winery for $25.00, for more information call 250-498-2538.

 

Signs of Possible Issues arising for in Children Exposed to Abuse:

 

Infants:

 

  • Listlessness
    Disruption in eating and sleeping routines

 

Toddlers:

 

  • Aggressive acts
  • Clinging
  • Anxiety
  • Cruelty to animals
  • Destruction of property

 

School-aged children:

 

  • Bullying
  • General aggression
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Withdrawal
  • Oppositional behavior
  • Destruction of property
  • Poor school achievement
  • Disrespect for females

 

Adolescence 12-18 years old

 

  • Dating violence
  • Bullying
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Talks or attempts of suicide
  • School problems (e.g. sudden decline in achievement or attendance.)
  • Alcohol/drug use
  • Running away from home

 

If your child has been exposed to abuse and is displaying any of the above behaviors, he/she might benefit from attending the child and youth counseling program to:

 

  • Express feelings in a healthy wayUnderstand they are not responsible for the violence
  • Develop a safety plan
  • Identify support networks
  • Identify cycles of violence
  • Recognize their strengths and increase their self confidence
  • Learn about healthy relationships
  • For more info please email
  • This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

Ending Violence Association| Legal Aid | Legal Information

Desert Sun Children and Youth Counselling