Project
Parent-child Assistance Program (P-CAP) Calgary, Alberta
Primary Contact: Pam van Vugt, Program Supervisor, McMan Community Services, phone: 403-590-3285, email: pam.vanvugt@mcman.ca
Start/End Date: ongoing
Location: Calgary, AB
Brief Description: P-CAP is a model for intervening with high-risk substance abusing mothers through the use of paraprofessionals and a home-visiting model. The program focuses on high-risk women, those who have received little or no prenatal care and are not connected to community resources. The principal issues being addressed are drug and alcohol treatment, family planning, child safety and stability, and the prevention of future alcohol and drug exposed infants. Long-term relationships are built with at-risk moms with a focus on bridging the gap between the clients and appropriate community resources. The essential element of this model is personalized, caring support over a long enough period of time to allow for gradual, enduring changes to occur. Duration of service provision can be up to three years.
The P-Cap program is based on Relational Theory. This guiding philosophy underscores the importance of interpersonal relationships to women in terms of a sense of self, treatment and recovery and personal growth. The critical element of an enduring relationship is the foundation upon which the intervention is built and is the primary role of the Parent Advocate. P-CAP also uses Harm Reduction Theory in terms of recognizing that substance abuse and the associated harm occur along a continuum and the program’s goal is to move women along that continuum. Change takes time and even reductions in substance abuse have positive impacts on the mothers and children.
Time Frame: ongoing
Kind of Project: Demonstration
Population Served: Urban
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