Connect supports parents and caregivers of children and youth ages 8–18 with emotional and behavioral problems. Different versions of the program are available to

• birth parents (Connect)

• adoptive, kinship and foster carers (Connect for Kinship and Foster Parents)

• fathers or caregivers in a fathering role (Connect with Fathers)

• parents and caregivers of gender-diverse youth (Transforming Connections)

• Indigenous parents and caregivers (Reclaiming Connections)

To learn more about program adaptations, click here.

Duration: 90-minute sessions x 10 weeks.

Parents meet in small groups with two trained group leaders for 90 minutes each week.

In each session, parents learn a new perspective on parent-teen relationships and adolescent development. Parents watch role-plays and try exercises that encourage more choices for responding to their teens’ difficult behaviour.

Depending on your location, Connect offers online and in person groups.

• In-person Connect: The original 10-session group delivered in communities across Canada.

• Online (eConnect): Secure online delivery via Zoom or Teams to increase access for families facing barriers to joining in-person groups.

To check available groups (in person and online), click here.

The Connect program and its adaptations are without charge when provided through community or B.C. government services.

Yes, once you complete the group, you can request a certificate of completion from your Connect group facilitators.

Yes, you can take Connect or its adaptations multiple times.

While the content does not change between groups, the group experience might be different when you meet new parents.

Visit our Find a Group in Your Area page below to find a group that meets your needs in your region.

In British Columbia

1. Find a group: You can filter your search by location, group type, format, or language.

2. Contact the group facilitator: Once you find a group, contact the facilitator or contact person listed by phone or email.

3. Connect with the facilitator: The facilitator will respond to you to arrange a meeting and provide more information about the group, including what to expect and how to get started.

Outside British Columbia

• Please visit the website listed for each province for more information about available groups and the contact person.