The Family Program is intensive and requires stability and sobriety. Applications will be considered if applicants:
Are assessed by our team and meet suitability and readiness factors (see applications)
Have sobriety time from alcohol, marijuana, illicit substances, low risk of relapse
Parents bringing children have custody and have been living with them; are able to manage independently
Support systems are in place for counselling after program completion
Other concerns can be managed safely with Kackaamin resources, such as health/mobility
General Guidelines
• Safety & commitment to healing is required
• No cell phones, smart watches, laptops, gaming consoles allowed
• Clients must stay onsite for the duration of the program.
• Children must be living with the parents/applicants prior to attending the program and after program. Children and youth are to be supervised at all times.
• Shared custody: other parent/caregiver(s) must be informed of the child(ren)’s attendance to the program.
• Clients must arrange their own travel to Kackaamin and arrive on Intake Day between 12pm-4pm. If discharged or they leave early, the client is responsible for their return travel arrangements.
Applications cannot be considered if:
• Detox and withdrawal support is required (including short-acting OAT)
• Adults with history or convictions of sexual violence are unable to attend. Please connect with our Rebuilding the Circle (RTC) team for treatment options.
--If there is Domestic Violence (or risk of) with any of your family members who are applying, please set up a time with us to discuss options.
In the first two weeks of program, the clients are assessed, provided kind, honest feedback and support to manage risks and concerns. There is a potential for early discharge, ideally before the group delves into the heaviest weeks (3-6). The team will do their best to support clients with referrals, resources, and transitions in these cases.
Possible Reasons for Early Discharge from Program:
- Substance use
- Unable or unwilling to participate in program/Program Guidelines
- Ongoing bullying or aggression toward others, violence, damage to property, etc.
- Concerns for safety and needs that cannot be met at Kackaamin
- Incorrect/inaccurate information on application that impacts others safety
Family Program
This program incorporates age-appropriate workshops and activities for the whole family:
- Communication, emotions
- Cultural Oppression, lateral violence, addictions
- Complex trauma
- Grief and Loss
- Recovery planning
- Community games, potlucks, Family Fridays
- Counselling, healthy coping activities, and Indigenous healing ceremony
- Parents attend AA/NA
- Nuu-chah-nulth parenting and Circle of Security Parenting Program
We believe in the healing power of the Circle and of community, for we are all interconnected, and
"Connection is the Correction."
Jane Middleton-Moz
Virtues Project
Integrating daily use of the Virtues, we practice positive, strengths-based language and reflections. The goal is to support parents to practice kind communication with their children.
Circle of Security
Our parenting program is based on our Nuu-chah-nulth teachings and the Circle of Security, both of which are strongly influential in building attachment and resilience for parents and children.
Completion Ceremony
The Butterfly Ceremony
Upon completion, families are guided through this closed event that reflects Nuu-chah-nulth ceremonies held for transitional life phases.
Grad celebrations are held on the last day where clients can welcome their guests to witness. Please contact us for further information.
