BCSS Youth: Kids and Teens in Control

Provides free group support and education to children and youth who have a family member or friend with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Kids in Control is an eight-week program for children eight to 12 years old. Teens in Control is a two-day workshop for youth 13 to 18 years old. Each session is approximately an hour-and-a-half long and allows participants to gain valuable information and connect with peers who have similar experiences. Programs are held virtually or, in some health regions, in-person. There are a minimum of two trained facilitators with experience in mental health and working with children for each program. Participants learn healthy coping strategies and self-care practices, while gaining information about mental illness so they can better understand the behaviour of their family member or friend. Referrals are accepted on an ongoing basis from health care professionals, community agencies, family members, and caregivers; youth age 14 and older may self-refer. Referral forms are available online at www.bcss.org/wp-content/uploads/resources/KIC-TIC-Referral-Form-2023.pdf.