Building Stronger Families Through KidsFirst

Released on September 10, 2014

The Government of Saskatchewan is working to build stronger families and communities through its continued support for KidsFirst programs across the province.  For 2014-15, nine KidsFirst programs will receive $14.61 million jointly from the Ministries of Education and Health.

“KidsFirst provides essential services to vulnerable families across the province,” Education Minster Don Morgan said.  “We recognize and appreciate the incredibly important work they do in our community to encourage strong parenting skills and help children get a good start in life.”

“Our province is committed to supporting the health and well-being of Saskatchewan families so that they can raise healthy children,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said.  “Children are our most precious resource and this program gives families and children the tools they need to succeed.”

KidsFirst is an early childhood development and family support program that seeks to improve the outcomes of children by supporting vulnerable families in building capacity for nurturing their children.  Through home visits, parents are provided with health- and community-based referrals such as: guidance on child development, parenting and connecting to the community; accessing child care and parent support groups; recommendations for early learning opportunities for children and access to mental health and addictions counselling services.

“Parenting is an important job,” Regina KidsFirst Program Manager Heidi Fisher-Phillips said.  “We all need support with parenting, and at KidsFirst we support families to give their children a solid foundation for a healthy future.  We provide individualized service to each family based on their needs.”

KidsFirst has nine sites across the province including the Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, and the North/La Ronge that deliver services via six regional health authorities and two school divisions in high needs areas.  KidsFirst is funded by both the Ministries of Health and Education.

KidsFirst is an initiative under Saskatchewan’s Child and Family Agenda (SCFA), an innovative, cross-government approach to better support children, youth and families with the complex issues they face.  The province has increased its investment in the SCFA by $8.7 million in 2014-15 to achieve the government’s goals that: children get a good start in life; youth are prepared for their future; families are strong; and communities are supportive.

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For more information, contact:

Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506