Access - Referrals to Youth & Family Substance Use Services
Island Health provides a network of counselling, prevention, residential care and treatment services across Vancouver Island for youth (ages 13-19) and their families.
Children and Youth Services
Prevention Speech
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This program provides speech and language services to infants, toddlers and preschool children.
Healthy start tips as school year begins
Vancouver Island – Water is the key to a healthy start as we head back to school.
Children should be hydrated and their best defence against bringing home colds and flus is proper hand washing.
“Get your children into the habit of washing their hands frequently. Make it fun. Sing happy birthday twice while they scrub or find a soap scent that appeals to them,” says Dr. Dee Hoyano, Island Health Medical Health Officer. “There is no better way to prevent colds and the spread of germs in schools and daycares than hand washing
Back to school tips to combat anxiety and stress
Vancouver Island – School starts next week and while some children may be excited to see friends and get back into a routine, other children will feel anxious and worried.
Small button batteries pose risk to children
Vancouver Island – Island Health would like to remind parents and guardians to keep button batteries out of children’s reach. These small, coin-size batteries are in many household products, making them accessible to curious children.
“All types of button batteries can be hazardous,” said Dr. Murray Fyfe, Medical Health Officer, Island Health. “Parents need to treat batteries like other dangers – store them out of sight and reach of children.”
School Age Children (5 to 19 years old)
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From age five to the start of adolescence, your child’s development slows and the school years follow a steady path of growing and learning.
Preschool Age Children (0-5 years old)
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This section provides information on keeping your preschooler healthy (children aged three to five).
Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services
Discovery offers free community-based counselling services and access to residential care and treatment for youth ages 13-19.
Children & Youth Services
Caring for Vancouver Island's most precious resources with specialized services for children and youth.