Connect supports parents and caregivers of children and youth ages 8–18 who are experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges. The program helps caregivers better understand their children’s needs and strengthen their relationship.

Different versions of Connect are available for:

• Birth and adoptive parents — Connect for All Families

• Kinship, and foster parents and caregivers — Connect for Kinship and Foster Parents

• Parents and caregivers of gender-diverse youth — Transforming Connections

• Indigenous parents and caregivers — Reclaiming Connections

• Fathers and caregivers in a fathering role — Connect with Fathers

Read more about different versions of the program.

Duration: 90-minute sessions x 10 weeks.

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

Each session helps parents and caregivers explore new ways of understanding their teen’s development, behaviour, and relationship with them. Through role-plays and practical exercises, you’ll explore different ways to respond to challenging behaviour while staying connected with your teen.

Connect offers both online and in-person groups, depending on what is available in your area.

• In-person Connect: Meet with facilitators and other parents and caregivers for the 10-session program in your community.

• Online Connect (eConnect): Join the program through secure Zoom or Teams sessions. This option can make it easier to participate if attending an in-person group is difficult.

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

Yes! You can take Connect or any of its different versions more than once. Although the content stays the same when you repeat a version, each group offers opportunities to meet other parents and caregivers, hear different perspectives, and reflect on how the ideas apply to your family.

Visit our Find a Group in Your Area page below to explore Connect groups in your region.

1. Find a group that suits your needs: Search by province, group type, format (online or in person), or language.

2. Get in touch: Email the facilitator or contact person listed for the group.

3. Learn more and get started: The facilitator will arrange a meeting with you to explain what to expect, answer your questions, and discuss how to join.

Outside British Columbia

• If no groups are listed in your province, or the group listed does not match your needs, please contact the person listed on the results page to ask about upcoming groups.