KidsFirst Helps Build Healthy Families

The Government of Saskatchewan is supporting stronger families, including those living in vulnerable circumstances, through KidsFirst.  In 2018-19, the Ministry of Education will provide $15.5 million to KidsFirst, which serves families in nearly 200 communities throughout the province.

KidsFirst works to build on family strengths by providing parents with the knowledge and tools needed to support the healthy development of their children.  Services are designed to build parent capacity, provide positive early learning experiences and connections to community.

“Early intervention helps children living in vulnerable circumstances succeed,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gordon Wyant said.  “KidsFirst is a great resource for connecting parents and children with community supports.”
Programing provided by KidsFirst includes home visits from staff, family events, parenting courses, referrals to early learning and child care opportunities and other community supports, as well as mental health and addictions services.  The variety of programs and supports provided to parents gives them the tools and skills needed to meet the challenges affecting them, while providing a safe and healthy environment for their children.

“I have seen KidsFirst impact the lives of so many young families over the years,” Strong Start Family Centre Moose Jaw Director of Family Services Krista Bakke said.  “A trusting relationship with the home visitor is key to the support families’ experience.  Through this relationship, parents receive information to help them care for, nurture and interact with their children in ways that promote secure attachment and healthy brain development.  The children are the ones who benefit the most in the end.”

Read one mother’s experience of how KidsFirst helped her build a new life at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/our-stories/KidsFirst-Offers-Hope-and-Help-for-a-New-Life. 

KidsFirst Targeted serves the communities of The Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and Yorkton, as well as 12 communities in the north.  KidsFirst Regional serves rural communities surrounding the KidsFirst Targeted communities.