Arc Programs is pleased to offer the following new services which we have added to our already existing programs and services:

Collaborative Youth and Family Services Program

The Collaborative Youth and Family Services Program provides an intensive strength-based, solution-focused short-term intervention process for a small case load of youth and families, through an outreach family-centered approach. ARC Programs facilitates integration in service delivery through collaboration with youth, families and Ministry social workers in the referral, intake, assessment, service planning, case management and evaluation process, for the youth and families referred to the program. The program counselor is co-located with ARC Youth Services, within the MCFD Youth Services team environment in Kelowna. However, the program services are provided to youth and families on an outreach basis in the community and family’s homes.

The services of the Collaborative Yout hand Family Services Program are focused on achieving the following:

1. To reduce the admission of children and youth to the care of the Ministry.
2. To reduce conflict between youth and their families
3. To enhance the skill of families in supporting an at-risk youth in their homes.
4. To increase the likelihood of youth remaining in their family home.
5. To facilitate the successful reintegration of youth to the family home.
6. To facilitate the successful integration of youth to school, employment, and/or other pro-social activities

Referrals to the program are directly from MCFD social workers, and youth referred to this program should be:

• between the ages of 12 years and 15 years, yet specific exceptions could be made if the youth and family meet other criteria.
• be residing at home or have recently left the family home (family home can be described in broad terms).
• considered to be in conflict with their family, such that their continued residency and care by the family may be at risk, and have a willingness to resolve that conflict.
• reside in the Central Okanagan area.
• may have secondary issues including but not limited to substance misuse, criminal behaviour, mental health issues, etc.

Families referred to this program should be willing to engage in and commit to an intensive intervention process.