Kinnections Family Development
Supporting Families in Edmonton with Atypical Needs
At Kinnections, we understand that reaching out for help can be challenging. It takes courage and strength to acknowledge that your family may need support in navigating the complex journey of caring for an atypical child. We want you to know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of resilience and love for your family.
You’re Not Just Getting a Program – You’re Gaining a Support Team
When you reach out to learn more about our programs, you’re taking the first step towards accessing a support system designed to strengthen your family’s journey. Our experienced, compassionate team is here to walk alongside you, providing the guidance, resources, and tools you need to promote better functioning and stronger relationships within your family.
Our Philosophy: If a Kid Could Do Better, They Would
Some young people require extra support and understanding to make gains and to thrive. We firmly believe that young people want to do well, and when they struggle, it’s often because they lack the capacity, skills or support they need to succeed. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at Kinnections Family Development. We strive to provide families with practical, effective strategies to manage challenging behaviors and problem-solve issues in a calm, compassionate manner.
Understanding Challenging Behaviours
We recognize that the strategies that work for neurotypical children may not be effective for children with complex needs. That’s why our programs are filled with techniques specifically designed to support atypical and “hard to manage” kids.
Our experienced team works with the understanding that challenging behaviours often arise when a child lacks the capacity or skills to adapt and respond well to expectations, situations, or environments. When a young person is acting out, there is often an underlying, unidentified issue contributing to both the behavioural challenges and family friction.
Our Approach: Building New Patterns
Through the Kinnections Family Development programs, we work closely with your family to explore challenging behaviour patterns and guide you and your child in building new, more positive patterns. Our approach is informed by several evidence-based models and theories:
- Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS): Developed by Dr. Ross Greene, CPS is a non-adversarial, trauma-informed approach to care that emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving.
- Resiliency Theory: This theory focuses on identifying and nurturing the protective factors to overcome adversity and develop resilience.
- Positive Youth Development Approach: This strengths-based approach recognizes the inherent potential in every young person and seeks to build on their attributes and abilities.
Is Kinnections Right for Your Family?
Our programs are designed for families in the Edmonton area who are caring for really tough kids – the ones who struggle with emotional regulation, and require a different approach to parenting. If you’re a family that loves your child, but feels like you’re running out of energy and don’t know what to do next, a Kinnections Family Development program may be the support you need.
We understand that reaching out for help can be difficult, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can help your family build new patterns, strengthen relationships, and unlock your child’s full potential.
Services
Kinnect House
The Kinnect House Program is a unique, part-time, out-of-home respite arrangement and intervention program designed to support young people and their families navigating complex challenges. This 9-month program provides care for children and youth 3 nights per week, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening social, personal, and mental health skills.
One of the key benefits of the Kinnect House Program is the specialized respite it offers both the young person and their family. This break from the tension and negative patterns that may have become part of the family dynamic allows everyone to step back, recharge, and focus on building new, more positive ways of interacting.
Break Night
An essential component of the Kinnect House Intensive Program is the weekly Break Night program. During these sessions, our experienced team equips caregivers with new strategies for both parenting and self-care. We work closely with caregivers to help them implement these strategies into their daily family life, providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the program.
Parenting Tough Kids: Self-Paced
Coming soon, Parenting Tough Kids is a self-paced, on-demand video program. Developed by our clinicians and behaviour care instructors, caregivers increase their mental health knowledge and build new skills to more effectively respond to and manage the young person’s challenging behaviours. Caregivers are also taught crisis de-escalation and effectiveness skills to help them remain calm and effective during interactions with their child.
Parenting Tough Kids: Guided
Some families may benefit from additional support beyond the self-paced Parenting Tough Kids program. Coming soon for these parents, we offer individual coaching sessions with our Behaviour Specialists. These sessions allow for a more personalized approach, ensuring that the family’s specific needs are addressed. Our behaviour coaches work closely with parents to work through the PTK material, individualizing the content and providing comprehensive support to meet each family’s unique requirements.
Start Building a Stronger Future Today
At Kinnections, we recognize that every family’s needs are unique. Whether you’re considering the intensive support of the Kinnect House program or looking for more flexible options like our Parenting Tough Kids series, our team is here to help you find the right Family Development program for your family.
Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can support you in building stronger, more positive family dynamics and empowering your young person to reach their full potential.