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The PEACE Program assists children and youth, three to 18 years of age, who have witnessed or experienced violence.

The SAIP Program assists children who are under the age of 19, who have experienced sexual abuse or may be acting out in a sexualized manner.

Child and Youth Counselling Program assists children and youth who have experienced and/or been exposed to trauma/traumatic events and whose quality of life has been impacted as a result.

Families or youth can request service directly.
Referrals can also come from:
•   Schools,
•   daycares,
•   social workers,
•   police,
•   advocates,
•   mental health clinicians,
•   Victim Assistance workers,
•   transition house staff,
•   parent educators and
•   family support workers.

In an effort to help children and youth make sense of their experience and feel as safe as possible, we offer a variety of expressive therapies including art therapy, play therapy and sand tray therapy as well as narrative and cognitive behavioural approaches.

We often work closely with other NCS Programs to assist parents in most effectively supporting children through difficult times and through the healing process.  We offer individual counselling as well as group counselling, including weekly groups in elementary and middle schools as a form of early intervention for children identified as potentially at-risk.

This program is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General’s PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment)  Program for children who have witnessed or experienced violence, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Sexual Abuse Intervention Program for children who have experienced sexual abuse or may be acting out in a sexualized manner.

Program Staff:

• Cathy Swanston

  Child & Youth Counsellor

• Lindsay Dew

  Child & Youth Counsellor

• Roger Luscombe

  Child & Youth Community Mental Health Counsellor / Child and Youth Counsellor

Child and Youth Community Mental Health Program

When children and youth are experiencing severe mental, emotional and behavioural problems, both the child/youth and the parents/caregivers need support to help understand and manage their experiences. We provide a safe, supported environment for children and youth to explore their feelings, behaviours, values and beliefs. Children and youth participate in and are actively involved in setting their own goals for treatment. Support is also provided to parents/caregivers in an effort to promote a deeper understanding of the child/youth’s experience and to promote healthy lifestyle choices within the family. We facilitate referrals for further assessments and treatment, if necessary, and provide support throughout this process.

This program works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s (the Ministry) Child and Youth Mental Health Program. All referrals to our program must come from the Ministry office.  The Ministry funds this community program.

PROGRAM STAFF:

• Roger Luscombe

  Child & Youth Community Mental Health Counsellor / Child and Youth Counsellor

  Roger has been with NCS since 2005. Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors (BCACC)

YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAM

We understand that not all youth receive the necessary support and modelling needed in order to make a healthy transition into adulthood. We are here to help youth with this transition process so that they can develop the necessary foundations for living fulfilling and productive lives as adults.

In the Youth Outreach Program, we assist local youth, aged 13 -19, with making positive life changes and strengthening their connections with the community, school, family, and friends. This happens by:
•   offering safe, confidential services, including re-integration/connection to educational institutions,
•   supportive counselling and crisis intervention,
•   information and strategies for decision-making, harm reduction,
•   short and long-term shelter,
•   the provision of food and personal items that help youth meet their basic needs,
•   referrals to other services and,
•   when needed, a physical presence/support to help facilitate and encourage youth to access important community resources.

Our approach is welcoming, flexible, and non-judgmental and reflects each youth’s personal growth, strengths, and individual lifestyle.

This program is funded by the Ministry of Children & Family Development.

PROGRAM STAFF:

• Rick Kutzner

  Youth Support / Outreach Worker

  Rick has been with NCS since 2016. Registered Professional Counselor (RPC) and Life Skills Coach.