Community Resources
Key Resources for Parents
9‑1‑1 Emergency
BC Drug and Poison Information Centre
Website: BC Drug and Poison Information Centre
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑567‑8911
HealthLink BC
British Columbians have trusted health information at their fingertips with just a phone call or a click away with HealthLink BC. HealthLink BC gives you quick and easy access to non‑emergency health information and services.
You can:
- speak with a nurse about your symptoms
- talk to a pharmacist about your medication questions
- get healthy eating advice from a dietitian
- find the health services and resources you need that are close to you.
Website: HealthLink BC
Phone: Dial 8‑1‑1.
For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY), call 7‑1‑1.
Translation services are available in over 130 languages on request.
Public Health Offices/Community Health Centres
Offer a wide range of services to promote the optimal physical development, communication and cognitive abilities, healthy emotional attachment, and positive social development for all infants and children. Services include: breastfeeding clinics, nutrition information and consultation, parent and infant drop‑in, child health clinics, and family and infant follow‑up. Contact your local health authority for more information.
Aboriginal Resources
Aboriginal Head Start
A Health Canada–funded, early‑intervention strategy for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and their families living in urban centres and large northern communities.
Website: Aboriginal Head Start
Phone toll-free: 1-866-225-0709
Aboriginal Health Services
See the blue pages of your phone book under Health Authorities, Key Word Listings. For other Aboriginal and Métis organizations, see the Yellow Pages of your phone book.
The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
A non‑profit provincial organization serving Aboriginal early childhood programs throughout British Columbia.
Website: The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
The BC Aboriginal Infant Development Program
Offers services for Aboriginal children. It is a parallel organization to the BC Infant Development Program. For information on local programs, contact your public health office.
Website: The BC Aboriginal Infant Development Program
Phone: 250‑388‑5593
BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
Aboriginal friendship centres aim to improve the quality of life of Canada’s Aboriginal people and to protect and preserve Aboriginal culture for the benefit of all Canadians.
Website: BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑990‑2432
Eating Well With Canada’s Food Guide: First Nations, Inuit and Métis
A new tailored food guide that includes both traditional foods and store‑bought foods that are generally available, affordable, and accessible across Canada.
Website: Eating Well With Canada’s Food Guide: First Nations, Inuit and Métis
Phone toll‑free: 1‑866‑225‑0709 (Health Canada’s General Inquiry Line)
Abuse or Neglect
Helpline for Children
A child is anyone under the age of 19. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual. Abuse can be abandonment, desertion, neglect, ill treatment, or failure to meet the physical, emotional, or medical needs of a child. Anyone can call the Helpline for Children for help 24 hours a day, including parents who are afraid they might hurt their child or if you know a child is being abused. You can call anonymously.
Website: Helpline for Children
Phone: 310‑1234 (no area code needed)
Alcohol and Drug Use
To learn about programs for people with alcohol and other drug problems, ask your health‑care professional or check in the Yellow Pages under “Alcohol” or “Drugs.”
HealthLink BC
Website: HealthLink BC
Phone: Dial 8‑1‑1. For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY), call 7‑1‑1. Translation services are available in over 130 languages on request.
The Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Line offers a confidential, toll‑free information line for alcohol and other drug programs in the province.
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑663‑1441
Motherisk Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline
Website: Motherisk
Phone toll‑free: 1‑877‑327‑4636
Offers information on the use of alcohol and other drugs while breastfeeding.
Quit Now
Website: Quit Now
Phone: 1‑877‑455‑2233
Breastfeeding
Public Health Office or Hospital
Public health office or hospitals in your area may offer additional breastfeeding services such as lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, and phone consultation. Contact your local health authority for more information.
Websites:
Northern Health Authority
Interior Health Authority
Vancouver Island Health Authority
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Fraser Health Authority
La Leche League Canada
Encourages, promotes, and provides mother‑to mother breastfeeding support and information.
Website: La Leche League Canada
Dietitian Services, HealthLink BC
A help line staffed by registered dietitians who can answer general and medical nutrition questions. Translation services are available in 130 languages.
Website: Dietitian Services, HealthLink BC
Phone: 8‑1‑1. For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY), call 7‑1‑1.
Child Care
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Your local Ministry for Children and Family Development office or public health office can give you information to help you select a child‑care facility.
Website: Ministry of Children and Family Development
The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
A non‑profit provincial organization serving Aboriginal early childhood programs throughout BritishColumbia.
Website: The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society
Canada Revenue Agency
Administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and for most provinces and territories; and various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system.
Website: Canada Revenue Agency
The Child Care BC Help Line
Provides information for service providers and parents on child‑care funding and subsidies.
Website: The Child Care BC Help Line
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑338‑6622 (Child Care Programs and Services Call Centre)
In Victoria: 250-356-6501(Child Care Programs and Services Call Centre)
Child Care Licensing Regulations
Describe what is required of child‑care operators in British Columbia.
Website: Child Care Licensing Regulations
Child Care Resource and Referral Program (CCRR)
A source of information on child care in your local community.
Website: Child Care Resource and Referral Program
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑338‑6622 In Victoria: 356‑6501
Child Development
A Simple Gift
A series of award‑winning videos and guides for parents about the importance of the attachment relationship with parents in clear, easy to understand language. Videos include Comforting Your Baby, Helping Young Children Cope with Emotions, and Ending the Cycle of Hurt.
Website: A Simple Gift
The BC Aboriginal Infant Development Program offers services for Aboriginal children. It is a parallel organization to the BC Infant Development Program. For information on local programs, contact your public health office.
Website: The BC Aboriginal Infant Development Program
Phone: 250‑388‑5593
Infant Development Program of BC
Offers help to B.C. children and parents. The program has specialized practitioners who are trained to foster healthy child development. These practitioners work in your local health area. Contact your local Infant Development Program of BC office or public health office.
Website: Infant Development Program of BC
Contact: info@idpofbc.ca
LEAP BC
Provides children from birth to age five with a strong foundation in literacy, physical activity, and healthy eating, through fun activities and play. This new program values the learning and bonding that happen when children and caregivers play together.
Website: LEAP BC
StrongStart BC
Provides school‑based early learning services for adults and their young children, aged birth to five, at no cost to families. Both children and adults can benefit from StrongStart BC early learning programs. Children have access to high‑quality learning environments and benefit from social interactions. Adults learn new ways to support learning, both at the program and at home.
Website: StrongStart BC
Child Support
Family Justice Services InfoLine
Information about government support for families.
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑216‑2211 In Vancouver/Lower Mainland: 604‑660‑2192
Ministry of Attorney General: Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
Information on government financial support for families.
Website: Ministry of Attorney General: Family Maintenance Enforcement Program
Dental Care
British Columbia Dental Association
Website: British Columbia Dental Association
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑396‑9888 Lower mainland: 604‑736‑7202
BC Dental Hygienists’ Association
Website: BC Dental Hygienists’ Association
Phone: 604‑415‑4559
BC Healthy Kids Program
Helps low‑income families with the costs of basic dental care for their children. For more information, visit the website or talk to your public health office.
Website: BC Healthy Kids Program
Phone the Ministry of Human and Social Development for more information:
Toll-free: 1-866-866-0800. Press 4 and then 2.
Kidsmiles.ca
A program created by the BC Dental Association and the British Columbia government, to help parents, guardians, and other caregivers learn more about caring for the oral health of young children.
Website: Kidsmiles.ca
Family Planning/Birth Control/Sexual Health
Canadian Federation for Sexual Health
Website: Canadian Federation for Sexual Health
Options for Sexual Health
A confidential phone line staffed by registered nurses and trained volunteers.
Website: Options for Sexual Health
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑739‑7367 Lower mainland: 604‑731‑7803
Family Resources
BC Association of Family Resource Programs
A not‑for‑profit provincial organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of community‑based family resource programs.
Website: BC Association of Family Resource Programs
BC Council for Families
A province‑wide community service that works on behalf of families and people who serve families.
Website: BC Council for Families
British Columbia Representative for Children and Youth
Supports children, youth and families who need help in dealing with the child‑serving system and pushes for changes to the system itself. The Representative is responsible for advocating for children and youth and for protecting their rights. The Office works to help to improve the system of support for children and youth, mainly those who are most vulnerable. This includes those who are:
- in‑care and live in foster or group homes
- in the home of a relative under a government program, or
- in youth custody.
The Representative for Children and Youth is an Independent Officer of the Legislature and does not report through a provincial ministry.
Website: British Columbia Representative for Children and Youth
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑476‑3933
Vanier Institute of the Family is a national charitable organization dedicated to promoting the well‑being of Canadian families. Its website offers resources on many family‑related issues.
Website: Vanier Institute of the Family
Family Violence
When violence happens, get help.
In case of emergency, call 9‑1‑1 or the operator and ask for the police. Crisis lines and transition houses in your community are listed under the Emergency tab in the first portion of the Telus (BCTel) phone book. (Note: In Vancouver, this information appears inside the front cover page.)
BC Women’s Hospital Woman Abuse Response Program
Website: BC Women’s Hospital Woman Abuse Response Program
Phone: 604‑875‑3717
British Columbia Society of Transition Houses
Website: British Columbia Society of Transition Houses
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is Canada's only toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, referral and Internet service for children and youth.
Phone toll-free: 1-800-668-6868
Website: www.kidshelpphone.ca
VictimLINK
A province‑wide telephone help line for victims of family and sexual violence and all other crimes. VictimLINK operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides service in 130 languages. It will help you find information on the victim services closest to you.
Website: VictimLINK
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑563‑0808
For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY): 604‑875‑0885
Fathering
BC Council for Families
Provides educational resources on topics such as parenting, childhood development, parent‑teen relationships, work‑life balance, suicide awareness, and more. Information about involved fathering and parenting in general is available on the website. Print resources on fathering can be purchased as well.
Website: BC Council for Families
Lower mainland: 604‑678‑8884
Canadian Fatherhood Involvement Initiative
Website: Canadian Fatherhood Involvement Initiative
Free or Low-Cost Resources
Healthy Eating
HealthLink BC has Dietitians available with a list of community meal programs and services that are either free or have a small fee to participate.
Website: HealthLink BC
Phone: Dial 8‑1‑1. For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY), call 7‑1‑1. Translation services are available in over 130 languages on request.
Contact your local community centre or your local health authority to find out if they have information on healthy food programs in your local area. Programs like community kitchens may be available where you can join a group to cook healthy meals to take home for a small fee.
Website: Fresh Choice Kitchens to search for a kitchen in your area.
Health Services and Resources
Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC insures medically required services provided by physicians and supplementary health care practitioners, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures. If you meet the Ministry's criteria of being a BC resident, you are eligible to enrol with MSP.
Website: Ministry of Health‑MSP
BC PharmaCare helps British Columbians with the cost of some prescription drugs and medical supplies. There is also a Fair Pharamcare plan based on your income.
Website: Ministry of Health‑Pharmacare
Housing
BC Housing is the provincial crown agency that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those in greatest need of housing assistance.
Website: BC Housing
Physical Activity
Many recreation centres have free or reduced fee recreation programs for families with low income. Check with your local recreation centre or municipal recreation office to see if there is a program near you.
KidSport™ is a program that provides grants for registration fees so that kids from low income families can play.
Website: KidSport BC
Physical Activity Line is a free resource for practical and trusted physical activity and healthy living information. The information includes:
- guidance to help you become more physically active, overcome your barriers and stay motivated
- up to date physical activity and health information
- links with health professionals, and community health and fitness programs.
Website: The Physical Activity Line
Phone: (Toll Free) 1‑877‑725‑1149 or lower mainland 604‑241‑2266; Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00pm
Canada Fitness Tax Credit (from the Canada Revenue Agency), is a tax credit for children under 16 years of age and disabled children under 18 years of age. All parents can claim up to $500 per child for fees for registration in an organized and supervised physical activity that lasts for at least eight weeks with a minimum of one weekly session, or a session that lasts for five days in a row. It is for all families with children and very useful for families with limited incomes.
Website: Canadian Fitness Tax Credit (for more information)
Tobacco
QuitNowBC provides free phone support that is confidential, no‑pressure counselling and support from trained specialists. The website also has free online support, as well as a calculator to help you figure out how much money you can save from reducing and stopping smoking.
Website: QuitNowBC
Phone: 1‑877‑455‑2233
Health Authorities
Northern Health Authority
Website: Northern Health Authority
Phone: 250‑565‑2649
Interior Health Authority
Website: Interior Health Authority
Phone: 250‑862‑4200
Vancouver Island Health Authority
Website: Vancouver Island Health Authority
Phone: 250‑370‑8699
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Website: Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Phone toll-free: 1-866-884-0888 Lower mainland: 604-736-2033
Fraser Health Authority
Website: Fraser Health Authority
Phone: 604‑587‑4600
Provincial Health Services Authority
Website: Provincial Health Services Authority
Phone: 604‑675‑7400
Healthy Eating
Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
Available through the Canada’s Food Guide website or from your public health office.
Website: Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
Dietitian Services – HealthLink BC
You can speak with a registered dietitian Monday to Friday from 9 to 5. An allergy dietitian is available Wednesday to Friday from 9 to 4:30. Dietitians offer confidential nutrition information and advice and guide you to nutrition services in your community.
Website: HealthLink BC
Phone: Dial 8‑1‑1. For deaf and hearing‑impaired assistance (TTY), call 7‑1‑1.
Provides information about making family mealtimes healthy and fun.
Website: BetterTogether BC
Hearing
British Columbia Early Hearing Program
The first province‑wide screening program to check hearing in babies born in British Columbia.
Website: British Columbia Early Hearing Program
Immunizatons
ImmunizeBC
This website has information about immunizations in British Columbia, including common questions.
Website: ImmunizeBC
Vaccination and Your Child
A web page of the Canadian Paediatric Society that answers many common questions about having your child vaccinated.
Website: Vaccination and Your Child
Medical Resources
BC College of Family Physicians
Website: BC College of Family Physicians
Phone: 604‑736‑1877
Canadian Mental Health Association
A nationwide, voluntary organization that promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
Website: Canadian Mental Health Association
Canadian Paediatric Society
Promotes quality health care for Canadian children and establishes guidelines for pediatric care. The organization offers educational materials on a variety of topics, including information on immunizations, pregnancy, safety issues, and teen health.
Website: Canadian Paediatric Society
Phone: 613‑526‑9397
Caring for Kids
A website designed to provide parents with information about their child’s health and well‑being. Developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Website: Caring for Kids
College of Midwives of British Columbia
Midwives in British Columbia offer primary care to healthy pregnant women and their normal newborn babies from early pregnancy, through labour and birth, and up to six weeks after birth.
Website: College of Midwives of British Columbia
Phone: 604‑742‑2230
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
A leading authority on reproductive health care. The SOGC provides public education on important women’s health issues.
Website: Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Phone toll free: 1‑800‑561‑2416
Parenting
Support groups, such as Parents without Partners, Mother Goose! and Nobody’s Perfect, and the family resource program (Family Place) are available in many communities. Contact your local public health office, mental health agency, or family resource centre about programs.
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program (BC Council for Families)
A parenting education and support program for parents of children from birth to age five. It helps parents develop knowledge, skills, and self‑confidence in child‑raising and encourages the development of support networks among parents, families, and friends.
Website: Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program
Lower mainland: 604-678-8884
Perinatal Depression
For information about perinatal depression support groups, contact your public health office.
BC Mental Health Information Lines
Offers information and advice 24 hours a day.
Website: BC Mental Health Information Lines
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑661‑2121 (BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions)
BC Reproductive Mental Health Program
Provides counselling to women with depression in pregnancy and after birth.
Website: BC Reproductive Mental Health Program
Pacific Post Partum Support Society
A non‑profit society dedicated to supporting the needs of postpartum mothers and their families. They also publish Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: A Self‑Help Guide for Mothers.
Website: Pacific Post Partum Support Society
Phone: 604‑255‑7999
Physical Activity
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide
Shows you how to make active living part of everyday life.
Website: Canada’s Physical Activity Guide
Healthy Weights for Women
Website: Healthy Weights for Women
Pregnancy
Canada’s Food Guide: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Website: Canada’s Food Guide: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
BC Association of Pregnancy Outreach Programs
Website: BC Association of Pregnancy Outreach Programs
Perinatal Services BC
Perinatal Services BC works to improve the capacity and processes of provincial perinatal services.
Website: Perinatal Services BC
Power to Push Campaign
Provides resources for pregnant women and health care providers about pushing for the safest birth possible, including information about vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and breech birth.
Website: Power to Push Campaign
HealthyFamiliesBC
Website: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/articles/topic/parenting-prenatal-care
Prescription Drugs
PharmaCare
Subsidizes eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies.Health Insurance BC administers the PharmaCare program on behalf of the BC Ministry of Health.
Website: PharmaCare
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑663‑7100 Lower Mainland: 604‑683‑7151 (Health Insurance BC)
Safety
BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit
Provides useful fact sheets by e‑mail.
Website: BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit
BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation Child Passenger Safety
Information Line. Call to find out more about New Parent Car Seat Workshops (how to install them correctly).
Website: BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation Child Passenger Safety
Phone toll-free: 1-877-247-5551
Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment (CPCHE)
CPCHE partners work to protect children's health from environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals.
Website: Healthy Environment for Kids
Canada Safety Council
A national, non‑government, charitable organization dedicated to safety. The CSC provides resources for safety information, education, and awareness – in traffic, at home, at work, and at leisure. The CSC website offers a wide variety of safety‑related information and education materials for the general public.
Website: Canada Safety Council
Phone: 613‑739‑1535
Canadian Red Cross
Teaches emergency child care first aid, CPR, and basic skills for dealing with emergencies.
Website: Canadian Red Cross
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑307‑7997
Health Canada: Consumer Product Safety
Website: Health Canada: Consumer Product Safety
Phone: 1‑866‑662‑0666
Lead in Your Home: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Call for a copy of this brochure.
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑668‑2642
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
This U.S. traffic safety website provides information on child car seat recalls.
Website: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Poison Control Centre
The BC Drug and Poison Information Centre provides 24‑hour poison information services.
Website: Poison Control Centre
Phone toll‑free: 1‑800‑567‑8911
Provincial Emergency Program
Offers help with emergency planning or to create an emergency kit.
Website: Provincial Emergency Program
Public Health Agency of Canada
Offers information on many child safety topics on its website. Use the search function to find a specific topic.
Website: Public Health Agency of Canada
Safe Kids Canada
A national injury prevention program provided by the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The website provides information on keeping children safe and preventing injuries.
Website: Safe Kids Canada
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑723‑3847
Safe Start
An injury prevention program of BC Children’s Hospital. It provides information to parents and caregivers on how to make homes and cars safer.
Website: Safe Start
Phone toll‑free: 1‑888‑331‑8100 Lower Mainland: 604‑875‑3273
St. John’s Ambulance
Offers programs in first aid, CPR, and child care. Local branches of St. John's Ambulance are listed in the white pages of your telephone directory, and in the Yellow Pages under “First Aid Services.”
Website: St. John’s Ambulance
Phone toll-free 1-866-321-2651 Lower Mainland: 604-321-2651
Transport Canada
Provides information on child restraints.
Website: Transport Canada
WorkSafeBC
Dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety for British Columbia workers and employers.
Website: WorkSafeBC
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC
Program of the BC Children’s Hospital that provides information on how to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Website: Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome BC
Phone: 1-888-300-3088 (BC Children’s Hospital and Women’s Health Centre)
Shaken Baby Syndrome – HealthLink BC
An easy‑to‑read fact sheet on Shaken Baby Syndrome and what to do if a baby does not stop crying.
Website: Shaken Baby Syndrome – HealthLink BC
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia
The Distress Line provides confidential, non‑judgmental, free emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Website: The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia
Phone toll-free: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Special Needs
Your public health nurse can help if you think your baby has a developmental problem or a disability. Most communities have an Infant Development Program for children. Staff in this program can help you with activities for your baby that will encourage development. You will also have help finding other support services.
Ministry of Children and Family Development: Early Childhood Intervention
This site can help determine your family and child’s needs and match these with the resources available in your community. Visit the website or contact your local MCFD office.
Website: Ministry of Children and Family Development: Early Childhood Intervention
The Infant Development Program of BC
This program has specialized practitioners who are trained to foster healthy child development. These practitioners work in your local health area. Contact your local Infant Development Program of BC office or public health office.
Website: The Infant Development Program of BC
Speech Therapy
British Columbia Association of Speech/Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Website: British Columbia Association of Speech/Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Phone toll‑free: 1‑877‑BCASLPA (222‑7572)
Vision
BC Healthy Kids Program
This program helps low‑income families with the costs of prescription eyewear for their children. For more information, call, visit the website, or contact your public health unit. Phone toll‑free: 1‑866‑866‑0800. Press 4 and then 2.
Website: BC Healthy Kids Program
Phone the Ministry of Human and Social Development for more information:
Toll-free: 1-866-866-0800. Press 4 and then 2.
