New mental health support for children

Nova Scotia expands CIHR-funded project across the province

Children with behaviour or anxiety problems, and their families, now have access to more support as the province of Nova Scotia expands a CIHR-funded project, Strongest Families, across the province. The Strongest Families program provides an intervention service to families with children diagnosed with disruptive behaviour disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety. The 11- to 12-week intervention involves the use of video materials, workbooks and weekly telephone sessions with trained coaches.

The program is also offered to children in Calgary, Alberta and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Strongest Families is also becoming available to 100 children across British Columbia through a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

In October, Strongest Families won the Social Innovation award from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, recognizing the program for delivering important economic and social benefits for children and families dealing with mental health problems.

To learn more about Strongest Families.