The Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) provides funding to community groups that promote the healthy development of young children from birth to age 6, who face challenges that put their health at risk, such as:   

• Poverty   

• Teen pregnancy   

• Social and geographic isolation   

• Substance use   

• Family violence   

 

Through this initiative, the Public Health Agency of Canada funds 410 CAPC projects serving over 225,000 vulnerable children and parents/caregivers across Canada each year. The goals of the Community Action Program for Children intend to improve healthy child development by:   

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• Improving parenting skills and parent-child relationships

• Decreasing social isolation

• Increasing child self-esteem

• Providing child-focused activities, such as preschool programs and playgroups   

• Promote and create partnerships within communities 

• Strengthen community capacity   

• Support vulnerable children and their families  

• Types of support  

 

CAPC sites adapt their activities to meet the needs of the people they serve. Their programs may include:

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•  Nutritional support and collective kitchens   

• Family resource centers   

• Parenting classes and drop-in groups   

• Child health and development activities   

• Outreach and home visiting programs   

• Specialized programs, such as support for caregivers dealing with substance abuse

• Prevention and Early Intervention

  •   Prevention and early intervention within child welfare is a proactive and early approach to strengthening children, youth and families and building their resilience, ultimately mitigating the need for more intrusive, statutory interventions.

  • ​The focus is on promoting safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments for children and families through community based programs, services and supports that address their holistic needs