SNAP Girls Connection
Serves girls who exhibit behaviour problems at home, at school or in the community. The Girls Connection is a family-focused, gender-specific, multifaceted intervention. Girls are admitted between the ages of 6 and 11, but may stay involved as long as necessary (up to age 18).
Girls in the program are referred by parents, teachers, social workers, police and others. They may be referred because:
- they are not listening to their parents and teachers
- they have trouble keeping friends
- they are aggressive and non-compliant
- they lack self-control and problem-solving skills
- they have had police contact.
Girls take part in a group to help them develop social and problem-solving skills, using SNAP® (Stop Now And Plan) to manage their behaviour and emotions. They may also participate in additional services, such as our “Girls Growing Up Healthy” group (addressing issues including sexual development and mother-daughter relationships), homework help, individual befriending, and Leader-In-Training programs for girls over the age of 12.
Parents participate in concurrent SNAPP to learn effective parent management strategies such as how to listen to their child, how to give effective directions, how to deal with home and school issues, and how to set up effective routines in the home. They may also participate in mother-daughter groups and a continuing care group for parents, as well as individual and family counselling as needed.
The program ensures accessible services to families by providing flexible meeting places and both day and evening appointments. Groups are held at the St. Clair Gardens (St. Clair & Dufferin) location. The service is offered at no cost to participants. (Funding is provided by generous donations from corporations, foundations, groups and individuals.)
For more information visit our SNAP website.
Read Suzy's experience Read Rita's story Read a mother's open letter Read about Cheryl Read Rebecca's experience