Help for youth and their families

Sometimes families can get stuck. A variety of services are available to help young people and their families when they are having difficulties. These services can help families:

• Stay together
• Solve problems collaboratively
• Recognize and focus on the things that are working in their relationships

We encourage you to connect directly with a local Child and Family Service office to discuss which programs and services are right for you and your situation. 

If you need to speak to someone outside of regular business hours, please call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 (no area code needed). You can call anytime day or night - there is always a social worker at the end of the telephone.

Additional information

• Teen Suicide Prevention
  Information for parents and caregivers on signs and risk factors that may increase the chances of suicidal behaviour.
   
• AnxietyBC Youth
  A resource to help teens cope with anxiety disorders and to educate anyone wanting to learn more about this common type of mental health problem.
   
• Provincial Youth Concurrent Disorders Program
  The Provincial Youth Concurrent Disorders program provides outpatient psychiatric consultations for B.C. youth (aged 12-24). The clinic offers specialized services for the complex needs of youth with substance use disorders, as well as conditions involving both substance abuse and mental disorders. A referral from a physician is required.
   
• Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre
  The Maples is an accredited facility that offers specialized programs and services to address the needs of young people (aged 12 to 17) who have severe mental health concerns or troubling behaviour.
  • Dealing with Teen Depression ­ (PDF, 1.3MB)
  • Getting Help for Children with Mental Health Concerns (PDF)
     
• Family Toolkit
  This tool kit, which is designed to help families care for a family member with a mental illness or substance use disorder by provides information and practical resources.