Children's Programming is specifically designed to meet the psycho-educational and therapeutic needs of children who have witnessed domestic violence. The YWCA Sheriff King Home provides to all children and their parents a group where they can come to a better understanding of violence and abuse in their lives, better recognize unsafe situations, identify feelings including those experienced from witnessing domestic violence, and continue through talk and play to heal from their experiences of loss due to the violence and abuse they have witnessed and/or experienced. It is a requirement that all family members attend the groups as everyone in the family is impacted by domestic violence.

Paths of Change Children's Program is an 11-week program for children aged 4 -12, who have witnessed or experienced family violence in the home. The program focuses on helping children understand their experience of domestic violence and to begin the healing process. Children in this program will learn to express their feelings, thoughts and anger in healthy ways and learn problem-solving techniques. Parents are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the Saturday Parenting Program.

Paths of Change Adolescent Group is for youth aged 13 -17, experiencing conflict in their relationships, community, school and/or home.

Choices with Horses group is an equine therapy group for adolescent females ages 12 -14.

The Paths of Change Parenting Program is for any parent looking for new approaches to building a better relationship with their child. Parenting groups are available in a variety of community locations. Parents in this group will learn how to address the importance of empathy, parent without punishing, as well as communication techniques, and problem solving and follow-through.

Families and Schools Stopping Abuse (FASSA) is an early intervention group-counselling program for elementary students and parents. The program focuses on helping children understand their experience of domestic violence and to begin the healing process. Children in this program will learn to express their feelings, thoughts and anger in healthy ways and learn problem-solving techniques. This program takes place in various schools throughout Calgary.

Speaking For Themselves, a partnership between Children's Legal and Educational Resource Centre (CLERC) and the YWCA of Calgary, is designed to enhance the physical, psychological and emotional safety of children exposed to domestic violence in high conflict custody and access cases by providing an opportunity to have their experiences and interests presented independently to decision-makers. With the benefit of a child therapist and legal counsel, children's voices and evidence are included in negotiations and legal processes, so parents may be less inclined to use their children as weapons in their personal conflict and may be more willing and able to consider their children's views, interests and best interests.

Community Safe Visitation Program is designed to improve safety during visitations and exchange for custodial parents and their children who have experienced or have been exposed to domestic violence. The program meets the urgent need for protected settings, safe transfers and visitations of children with non-custodial parents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
YWCA Sheriff King Home
2003- 16th Street SE
(403) 266-4111
Email: sheriffk@ywcaofcalgary.com