Kinnect House
A Unique Approach to Family Support in Edmonton
Structured Care to Support Your Child’s Growth and Your Family’s Wellbeing
If your family is struggling to manage challenging behaviours, feeling overwhelmed, or in need of a new approach to support your child’s growth and development, then the Kinnect House in Edmonton may be the right fit for you.
The Kinnect House Program is an intensive intervention service designed for young people who can benefit from a structured, out-of-home environment and the families who are navigating the challenges of caring for an atypical young person.
This team-delivered, clinically monitored placement helps families and young people to reset problematic behaviour patterns, identify existing strengths, and set achievable goals to develop new skills that benefit both the young person and the entire family unit.
This may include a young person with:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Behavioural or emotional regulation difficulties
- Trauma-related challenges
- Attachment disruption
- Other complex needs that impact family functioning
How The Kinnect House Works
Collaborative Support
The Kinnect House Program is a collaborative approach between our experienced team and the families we serve. Working in partnership, we:
- Address and manage challenging behaviours, providing strategies and tools for both young people and parents
- Recognize and build upon the unique strengths within each family
- Establish and work towards meaningful and achievable goals
- Develop new skills that equip young people and parents to navigate challenges more effectively
Part-Time Out-of-Home Care
A key feature of the Kinnect House Program is the provision of part-time, out-of-home living arrangements for young people. Young people stay at Kinnect House for 3 nights per week. This unique arrangement offers several benefits:
- Assists in stabilizing the young person’s challenging behaviour by providing a consistent, structured environment
- Provides a safe space for focused skill development and growth
- Interrupts negative family patterns or dynamics, allowing for a reset and new perspective
- Offers a break from potentially challenging home situations, giving both the child and family time to recharge
Parent Support and Skill Building
At Kinnections, we understand that supporting the child means supporting the whole family, and that caregivers are often tired and discouraged. That’s why our program offers a two-pronged approach: while young people are at Kinnect House, parents are also supported. They attend weekly “Break Nights” group training in specializied strategies, and meet 1:1 each month with their assigned Family Worker for follow up training on how to apply the “Break Nights” tools to manage the specific behavioural challenges in their home and promote positive family dynamics. Parents receive:
- A weekly break to rebuild their energy
- Direct coaching to enhance their skills
- An opportunity to focus on personal self-care needs
Benefits of the Kinnect House Program
Behavioural Stabilization
The program helps young people to stabilize emotionally, and works to interrupt problematic behaviour patterns in a controlled, supportive environment.
Family Tension Relief
By providing part-time out-of-home care, the program provides a break from tension and negative patterns that may have developed within the family dynamic.
Skill Development
Both young people and parents have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills to improve family communication and functioning.
Professional Support
Families benefit from the expertise of our team of clinicians, family workers, and behavioural specialists.
Respite for Parents
Parents are provided with much-needed breaks, allowing them to recharge and focus on self-care, or other responsibilities.
Customized Interventions
Individualized support plans are developed to address each young person’s unique needs and challenges.
The Kinnect House Team
Our team is committed to supporting families on their journey towards greater understanding, connection, and resilience. The Kinnect House Program is staffed by a diverse team of professionals, including:
- Registered Psychologists
- Behaviour Specialists
- Family Support Workers
- Children and Youth Care Workers
Funding and Accessibility
One of the primary ways families can access funding for our Kinnect House Program is through Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). This provincial funding program is designed to help families of children with disabilities cover the costs of specialized services, like those offered through the Kinnect House.
FSCD Funding
Eligibility for FSCD is determined by the government based on the young person’s needs and the family’s circumstances.
When a family qualifies for FSCD funding to cover the Kinnect House fees, it ensures that they can access our specialized services without facing a direct financial burden.
How to Access FSCD Funding
If you believe that your family could benefit from the Kinnect House Program and are interested in exploring FSCD funding, here are the steps to get started:
- If you’re not already connected with FSCD, visit the Alberta government’s website at https://www.alberta.ca/fscd-how-to-apply to learn more about the application process. You can also call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 for assistance.
- Once you’ve been approved for FSCD, discuss the Kinnect House Program with your assigned FSCD worker. They can help you determine if the program is appropriate for your family’s needs and can work with you to include it in your child’s service plan.
At Kinnections Community Wellness, we are committed to helping families across Edmonton access the support they need to thrive. If you have questions about FSCD funding, the Kinnect House Program, or other resources available to your family, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable and compassionate team.