Component: Youth initiatives

Legislation: Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), 2017

Purpose of program

The purpose of the Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) Program is to support at-risk/high-risk middle years children with behavioral problems (ages 6 to 12), and their parents/caregivers, to make good choices in the moment and improve cooperative behavior. This includes supporting participants to learn self-regulating, cognitive-behavioral strategies and problem-solving skills, specifically through culturally relevant and responsive lenses. For at-risk/high-risk parents/caregivers, the program supports the improvement of parent/caregiver-child relationships by teaching effective parenting/caregiving skills.

Service objectives

The SNAP Program focuses on the following objectives for client children and their families

  • Increase emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills for children and their parents/caregivers, through culturally relevant and responsive lenses
  • Clinically reduce negative behavior scales (i.e., aggression, rule breaking, conduct, externalizing) for children, as measured by standardized tools
  • Increase social competency for children
  • Increase management skills for parents/caregivers, through culturally relevant and responsive lenses
  • Reduce community, or school-related, disruptions
  • Improve children’s academic performance and participation in pro-social extracurricular activities; and
  • Increase connection of children and parents/caregivers to community-based resources

Service description

Target population

The target population for the program is “at-risk/high-risk” children and their families, within the Target Communities (see below).

The “targeted primary beneficiary” is at-risk/high-risk children and their parents/caregivers.

“At-risk/high-risk” middle years children are defined as children, aged 6-12, with multiple risk factors and challenges and/or who have experienced specific incidents and/or life challenges that increase their risk factors, such as a sibling in conflict with the law, or acute conflict at home or school.

“At-risk/high-risk” middle years children are those at greatest risk of experiencing poorer outcomes (e.g., lower grades, dropping out of high school, mental or physical health issues) and are at a greater risk of antisocial behavior.

Depending on the unique circumstances of each target community (see below), the targeted primary beneficiary may also be, a visible minority, a newcomer, Indigenous, in and/or leaving care, living in poverty, in conflict with the law, living with disabilities or special needs, 2SLGBTQQIA+, Francophone, and living in rural and remote communities.

At-risk children, and their parents/caregivers experiencing an intersection of one or more of these identities may also be at-risk or of higher risk.

Each locally designed SNAP Program site may define its target populations as it meets the description of “at-risk/high-risk” children and the “targeted primary beneficiary” defined above.

Black youth action plan

The Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) works toward eliminating systemic, race-based disparities by increasing opportunities for Black children, youth and families across the province. Black Youth Action Plan services and supports include

  • culturally focused parenting initiatives and mentorship programs
  • supporting young people’s wellness with programming that takes preventative measures
  • supporting access to higher education and skills development
  • investing in community outreach and promoting anti-violence
  • communities working collectively to build capacity and collaborate for systemic change

Where need has been identified, some agencies are designated to deliver the SNAP Program as part of BYAP.

Service targets

Annually, each SNAP Program site, including SNAP Program sites that are specifically targeted to Black children and their families, will serve up to 100 at-risk/high-risk children and their families (consisting of up to 63 new children and up to 37 carry-over cases). A “carry-over case” applies to children who have previously engaged in, or completed, the BYAP Program (at another site). BYAP Program sites that do not receive any carry-over cases can opt to service 37 new at-risk/high-risk children and their families for a total of 100 new cases. Staff at each site will identify and document up to 37 carry-over cases based on SNAP clinical guidelines.

Program/service features

Services provided

Each local BYAP Program site will provide the following services to the target population, while ensuring they are culturally relevant and responsive

  • SNAP Core Components
  • SNAP Risk-Based Components
  • Client Management (SNAP Implementation Tool)
  • Cultural Local Community Outreach
  • Culturally Relevant Program Modification

Each site will be guided by the Ontario Child Development Institute’s (CDI) SNAP Implementation Tool (SNAPiT) to support program start-up and ongoing development.

Cultural adaptation

Agencies providing targeted supports to Black children and their families will participate in Cultural Adaptation activities. Each local, targeted SNAP Program site will

  • Train all agency staff, management and board on the cultural adaptations/modifications of the SNAP program and services provided
  • Support the evaluation of the cultural adaptation in order to support further iteration on the Culturally Relevant and Responsive documentation (i.e., guidelines, training modules, training materials)

SNAP core components

SNAP Core Components consists of a SNAP Boys and/or Girls Children’s Group. The SNAP Boys and Girls Groups are structured group sessions that teach children cognitive-behavioral self-control and problem-solving techniques.

The sessions are based on group discussions, modeling, behavioral rehearsal/role-playing, interactive games, home practice exercise, learning opportunities, and relaxation training. Using group manuals, the structured groups are facilitated by trained, designated staff. A variety of topics, including dealing with angry thoughts and feelings, self-control, problem solving, and bullying are addressed.

Each SNAP Boys and/or Girls Group will consist of seven (7) children, placed according to developmental needs and ages. Each SNAP Boys and Girls Group session will run for 13 weeks, with boys and/or girls attending after-school meetings once a week for 1.5 hours.

Each site will also provide a SNAP Parenting Group for the parents/caregivers of children enrolled in SNAP Boys and/or Girls. The parent/caregiver group will meet at the same time as the SNAP Boys and Girls Groups. Staff at each site will teach effective child management and SNAP strategies to parents/caregivers. Staff at each site will also facilitate connecting parents /caregivers with others facing similar challenges at home.

Staff hired to deliver the SNAP Core Components to children and parents /caregivers as part of the SNAP Program targeted to Black children and families should have a strong understanding of the specialized needs of the children and their families, who may be experiencing challenges related to race and Indigeneity, such as mental health, trauma and relationship violence. Staff should have knowledge of and sensitivity for the life experiences and diverse needs, identities and cultural backgrounds of the children and families in underserved communities.

SNAP risk-based components

Each site will provide risk-based components, depending on the identified local community and target population needs. Risk-based components include

  • SNAP Individual Counseling/Community Connections – Provided to help children work on individual goals, in order to enhance skills learned in their regular SNAP Group. Children are connected with volunteers to help them join recreational activities or other supports within their communities
  • SNAP Family Counseling – Also known as Stop Now and Plan Parenting (SNAPP), provided to at-risk/high-risk families that require additional supports. Counselling is outcome-oriented and can be ongoing depending on the needs of the parents/caregivers/family. This component is also provided to parents/caregivers who are unable to attend the regular parent/caregiver group
  • Girls Growing Up Healthy Group – Associated with the SNAP Girls Group, provided to help girls learn healthy relationship development. These mother-daughter groups are provided through 8-10 classes and focus on physical and sexual health and relationship building. These classes are provided to girls ages 9 and up after core SNAP Girl Group meetings
  • SNAP School Support/Advocacy – Provided to help schools and teachers, interacting with SNAP children, to offer behavior management supports as needed
  • SNAP Parent Problem-Solving Group – Provided as a continued care component for parents/caregivers and children who have completed the SNAP core components
  • SNAP Youth Leadership – Provided for SNAP graduates aged 12 and up to continue skills development and build job skills as needed
  • Arson Prevention Program (TAPP-C) – Provided to children with fire interest and/or fire setting concerns
  • Homework Club/Academic Tutoring – Provided as weekly tutoring sessions with specially trained volunteers for children who are performing below their grade level
  • Crisis Intervention – Provided to assist families in SNAP to deal with challenging situations as needed and/or to be connected to appropriate crisis services; and/or
  • Victim Restitution – Provided to help SNAP children learn how to apologize and redress their behaviors, including through writing apology letters or performing community service

Other risk-based components may be developed by each local SNAP Program site, as applicable to the local community and target population needs.

Client management (using CDI SNAP implementation tool)

Each site will have access to the CDI SNAP Implementation Tool (SNAPiT), which provides a client management system to collect client data and case-manage children and parents/caregivers enrolled in the program.

Local community outreach

SNAP Program sites will conduct outreach to local partners that serve children ages 6- 12, including but not limited to

  • School boards and schools
  • Community groups and organizations
  • Municipal government departments
  • Child and youth service providers
  • Faith-based organizations and cultural communities; and
  • other service delivery partners

Each SNAP Program site will develop an outreach plan to local partners that supports

  • Identification and enrollment of potential clients; and
  • Connections to existing community supports and recreation opportunities

Culturally relevant program modification

Where relevant, SNAP Program sites can adapt the program at each new site, with support from CDI, for cultural relevance (e.g., race, language, cultural practice, symbolism) to meet local populations/needs.

Governance, accountability and service system requirements

The agency is expected to

  • Provide for effective delivery of SNAP programming in accordance with the:
    • SNAP Policy and Procedures Manual
    • Culturally adapted Companion Guide for the SNAP program in the African Canadian Community and Companion Manual for SNAP in Aboriginal Communities
    • Annual requirements to maintain the SNAP License through CDI
  • Provide quantitative and/or qualitative data (including Identity- based Data) requested by the ministry relating to service performance measurement and as requested, participate in program and service evaluation initiatives established by the ministry
  • Establish and build both informal and formal inter-agency linkages and/or partnerships to strengthen/enhance neighborhood/community/cultural service infrastructure

Agencies are deemed responsible for the following activities

  • Overall SNAP program administration and delivery, including agreed upon program deliverables
  • Financial and service performance reporting, including submission of required and requested reports within established timeframes
  • Reporting serious occurrences involving child clients and SNAP Child and Family Workers, the SNAP Manager, or other staff related to the SNAP program, to the ministry
  • Developing appropriate policies and procedures for protecting the privacy of personal information with respect to the collection, use, disclosure and access to such information contained in records that are developed by the Lead Agency’s policies and procedures shall comply with Part 6 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, (YCJA), 2002 when the information and records relate to young persons as defined by the YCJA, and the confidentiality provisions relating to children who are the subject of a child welfare proceeding under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act(CYFSA), 2018, and the privacy provisions under Part X of the CYFSA

Reporting Requirements

The following service data will be collected during the fiscal/reporting year (from April 1 to March 31) and reported on in the Final Stage/Report.

Service Data Name Definition

# of Individuals Served: SNAP

Unique, or unduplicated, count of all individuals (children and households) who received services in the SNAP Program in the reporting year. A SNAP household is defined as the parents/caregivers who are enrolled with a SNAP child client and attend the SNAP Parent Group. A SNAP household is counted as a single unit, regardless of the number of parents/caregivers.

# of Children: New

The number of new children enrolled in the SNAP Program in the reporting year. A new SNAP child client has not had a previous engagement in the SNAP Program.

# of New SNAP Clients (households)

The number of new households enrolled in the SNAP Program in the reporting year. A new SNAP household has not had a previous engagement in the SNAP Program. A SNAP household is defined as the parents/caregivers who are enrolled with a SNAP child client and attend the SNAP Parent Group. A SNAP household is counted as a single unit, regardless of the number of parents/caregivers.

# of Carryover SNAP Clients (children)

The number of carryover children enrolled in the SNAP Program in the reporting year. A carryover SNAP child client has previously engaged in, or completed, the SNAP Program.

# of Carryover SNAP Clients (households)

The number of carryover households enrolled in the SNAP Program in the reporting year. A carryover SNAP household has previously engaged in, or completed, the SNAP Program.

# of Children: Waitlisted: SNAP Clients

The number of children who were not enrolled in the SNAP Program during the reporting period because the program was at capacity. This is a snapshot figure at the end of the reporting period.

# of Children: Reduce Total Externalizing Composite

The number of SNAP child participants who were able to reduce their total externalizing composite score at program completion in the reporting year. Program completion is defined as the point in time when a child participant is discharged.

# of Children: Improved School Score at completion

The number of SNAP child participants who improved their Total School Score at program completion in the reporting year. Program completion is defined as the point in time when a child is discharged.

# of SNAP Parents Who Improve Their Control Scale from TOPSE

The number of SNAP parent/caregiver participants who improved their control scale from TOPSE at program completion in the reporting year.

# of Children: Woman/Girl: SNAP

The number of all individual child participants during the fiscal year who gender identify as a woman/girl. This category is based on a child’s or parent’s voluntary identification.

# of Children: Man/Boy: SNAP

The number of all individual child participants during the fiscal year who gender identify as a man/boy. This category is based on a child’s or parent’s voluntary identification.

# of Children: Other Gender: SNAP

The number of all individual child participants during the fiscal year who do not identify as a woman/girl or a man/boy. This category is based on a child’s or parent’s voluntary identification.

# of Children: Urban Indigenous: SNAP

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who identify as Urban Indigenous. This category is based on a child’s or parent’s voluntary identification. Data collection should allow respondents to select more than one category.

# of Children: First Nations

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who identify as First Nations. This category is based on a child’s or parent’s voluntary identification. Data collection should allow respondents to select more than one category.

# of Children: Métis: SNAP

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who identify as Métis. This category is based on a child’s or parent’s voluntary identification. Data collection should allow respondents to select more than one category.

# of Children: Inuit: SNAP

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who identify as Inuit. This category is based on a child or parent’s voluntary identification. Data collection should allow respondents to select more than one category.

# of Children: Black

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who identify as Black (e.g., African, Afro-Caribbean, African-Canadian descent). This category is based on a child or parent’s voluntary identification. Data collection should allow respondents to select more than one category.

# of Children: Latinx

The number of all individual youth participants during the fiscal year who identify as Latin American or Hispanic descent. This category is based on a youth’s voluntary self-identification. Data collection should allow respondents to select more than one category.

# of Children: Canadian by naturalization

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who are Canadian by naturalization. This category is based on a child or parent’s voluntary identification.

# of Children: Do Not Hold Canadian Citizenship

The number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who do not hold Canadian citizenship. This category is based on a child or parent’s voluntary identification.

# of Children: with a Disability/Special Need

The total number of all individual child participants (SNAP clients) during the fiscal year who identify as a person with one or more disabilities and may include: Seeing, Hearing, Mobility, Learning, Pain, Memory, Developmental, Mental/Psychological, Drug or alcohol dependence, Flexibility, Dexterity, Other.

SNAP Program: Ministry-funded Agency Expenditures

Total ministry-funded expenses for the Transfer Payment Recipient to administer and/or deliver this program in the reporting year (cumulative).