The Aboriginal Infant Development Program consists of a three person team, (AIDP Consultant, AIDP Coordinator and a support worker). They collaborate to provide services to families with children of the ages zero to three years old and with discretion can continue until the child's fourth year. Aboriginal Infant Development Program is voluntary and is a family based program with an emphasis on support and early intervention of attending families.
AIDP Consultant
My name is Shayna Leschuk, I am the Aboriginal Infant Development Program Consultant for the Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert. AIDP provides services to families with children from birth to the age of three years old. Our main focus within the AIDP is development and support to families and infants. We provide many services that are informational so families can learn more about Pregnancy, Ages and Stages Questionnaire screening, early intervention, culture, community, themselves and the importance of their role as a parent. My role as AIDP consultant is to ensure a healthier family by addressing needs and gaps of children and providing support services to families.
This year AIDP serviced 710 clients along with a total of 50,563 points of service. The 2022-2023 fiscal year was a successful year as we were able to continue to provide support and services to families and community. Our team consists of a consultant, a coordinator, and support worker. We partner with other programs, and with community organizations.
AIDP continues to provide drop-in where families are provided a safe place to do activities and socialize in a private or group setting. AIDP and parent and tot also does a weekly swimming group together and the outcome has been phenomenal. Our program continues to provide families with hampers of essentials for babies or healthy living. AIDP continues to do community outreach and participate in community events to spread awareness of the program and the Friendship House as there is always families looking for accessible support.
The success of the AIDP is being able to support and provide families with a healthier lifestyle and making support easily accessible. Many expressed their feelings as they were happy to build relationships and be more in touch with the community through AIDP. By building relationships with one another it has opened conversations and allowed families to become more comfortable to receive support for themselves as well as their children. In conclusion, the Aboriginal Infant Development Program had a wonderful year. Numbers are always increasing and we are grateful to be able to provide such support and services to those who need.
--Shayna Leschuk
Northwest Coast Doulas
When: Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Second Floor (AIDP room)
Healthy Snack Provided
A chance for moms to have a little time for themselves and meet with other moms while engaging in discussions about parenting, self-care, healthy habits and participating in outdoor activities (weather permitting).
A Doula is a trained and experienced professional providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and after birth who also:
- Recognizes birth as a key experience that the mother will remember all her life.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth.
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers.
- Enables the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level.
Doula services in British Columbia are not covered under the Medical Services Plan or First Nations Health Benefits. Families who choose to have a Doula often pay for the service themselves. A family may apply for funding through the British Columbia Association of Friendship Centers for Doula services if they should happen to require financial assistance. All inquiries should be directed to the AIDP staff of the Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert.
Contact: Amy Johnson
Phone: (250) 627-1717 Ext. 25
Contact: Shayna Leschuk
Phone: (250) 627-1717 Ext. 23
AIDP is funded by the Province of British Columbia.