PRIYD
Providing Resources and Independence for Youth Development (PRIYD) is a program designed for children and youth with support needs (CYSN) who are between the ages of 7 and 19.
A referral from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is required for participation.
ABOUT PRIYD
With the goal of cultivating independence, clients work 1-on-1 and in groups with an Integration Support Worker (ISW) toward goals such as:
- using public transit
- increasing confidence and self-esteem
- practicing money skills
- participating in social and community activities
- pursuing post-secondary education, volunteering, or employment
and more
PRIYD participants build lasting life and social skills – increasing their confidence and empowering them to take on the world.
JOINING PRIYD
Assessments and referrals are made independently of FSGV and PRIYD. Once an official diagnosis has been received, families are assigned a social worker with MCFD. Together with the family, the MCFD social worker will develop a support plan for the child or youth – a portion of which may include the PRIYD program, resulting in a referral to FSGV.
MCFD has more information available here: ASSESSMENT
GOALS & ACTIVITIES
Our services are client-centered. We carefully match participants with one of our Integration Support Workers (ISWs). Once matched, ISWs focus on building trusting relationships with each client before moving on to goal setting. Common goal areas include:
- social skills
- community safety
- community connections
- transit skills
- leadership
- decision making
- communication
- emotional regulation
- empowerment
- awareness
- confidence and self-esteem
- money skills
There are no fees for services. PRIYD youth meet either 1-on-1 with their ISW or in a group with other youth and ISWs. Sessions happen once per week, on the same day and at the same time, and go for 4 hours. Session activities vary based on client interests and goals and often include things like:
- playing games, sports, hiking
- library visits
- arts and crafts projects
- accessing social opportunities
- trying new things
- taking transit
- utilizing community resources
- going to restaurants
- exploring the community: Science World, the aquarium, museums, and art galleries
- visiting post-secondary institutions