FRANCAIS

March 21, 2005

Families in Manitoba will have access to a unique, community-driven program to help them gain more knowledge related to parenting, as part of a new initiative being supported with $1.4 million in provincial funding, Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

The support will allow community-based organizations to implement the internationally-known Triple P — Positive Parenting Program which gives parents the opportunity to access supports they need, when they need them, through people and places they already know.

"This investment, which supports a community-based initiative, will help strengthen parents’ knowledge, skills and confidence to better meet the needs of their children in the early years," said Oswald. "Research shows that effective parenting is the single most important factor in building a strong foundation for a child’s life."

"Together with our community partners, we recognize that parents need differing levels of services and supports depending on their needs, and that services can be delivered most efficiently thanks to the collaboration and co-operation of all stakeholders," said Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick. "This new support will allow these service providers to access new resources and training opportunities that have been proven effective in helping parents with young children."

The Triple P — Positive Parenting Program is a unique family support initiative designed to promote positive development and help prevent serious emotional and behavioural problems in young children. It was developed over 20 years through research at the University of Queensland in Australia and has been proven effective in over 12 countries including Australia, Canada, England, Iran, Switzerland, the United States and in Hong Kong.

The aims of the program are to:

• promote the independence and health of families by improving parents’ knowledge, skills and confidence;

• support the development of non-violent, protective and nurturing environments for children;

• assist in the development, growth, health and social skills of young children; and

• enhance the resourcefulness and abilities of parents raising young children.

The initiative is supported jointly by the Manitoba departments of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs; Culture, Heritage and Tourism; Education, Citizenship and Youth; Family Services and Housing; Health; and Justice; and the Status of Women and all partners in Healthy Child Manitoba.

"This new program also offers important opportunities through community partners such as regional health authorities to further improve the social and emotional health of our young children," said Health Minister Tim Sale.

In the past six budgets, the province has increased its commitment to early childhood development and families by more than $64 million. Of this amount, the Government of Canada will transfer $26.5 million in 2005-06. This funding is an important contribution to Manitoba’s support for children and families.

Healthy Child Manitoba is made up of seven provincial government departments and works with parents and families, community organizations and other levels of government to put the well-being of children and families first. This collaborative, community-based approach uses research and evidence to develop policy and implement programs in areas such as early childhood development, readiness to learn, literacy, nutrition and parenting supports. 

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