Headshot of girl with brown hair looking through her painted hands held in the shape of a heart

Child & Youth Care Program

Overview

Chisholm’s child and youth caring program provides a safe home for children 6 to 12 years of age who have faced adversity and are unable to live at home. With a focus on growth through education and empowerment, Chisholm creates a space to restore a child’s sense of safety and trust in adult caregivers and others. Through understanding complex behaviour, children supported by Chisholm can thrive and gain a sense of belonging in the community.

 

Our Approach

Understanding childhood resiliency when exposed to complex trauma within a family or community requires an evidenced-based method. Chisholm relies on a trauma-informed approach to care, which is a strengths-based framework grounded in understanding the impact of experienced trauma.

By creating a setting for children to feel at home, Chisholm can employ a cross-functional approach to preparing them for the life journey before them. Individualized behaviour support, social-emotional learning (Zones of Regulation), acts of kindness (A-OK), and experiential recreation (HIGH-FIVE®) each play an important role, helping children to harness their strengths and uncover their potential.

For a more detailed overview of Chisholm’s Framework of Practice, which outlines the evidenced-based practices that guide our work, please download the resource below.

Testimonial

So, my story begins when I was around 8 years old living in a small farming community in Kings County. It was then I was left alone. They [Chisholm] welcomed me with wide open arms filled with love and support. I was given opportunities to explore my interests, trumpet, tennis, art and Neptune theatre acting lessons. I also tried aerobics. All these experiences have shaped me into who I am today. -- Former Youth

Locations

Our child and youth caring program is located in Kjipukutk / Halifax. Chisholm provides a home for children who come from across Nova Scotia.