The National Consortium on Aggression toward Families / Caregivers in Childhood & Adolescence (AFCCA) exists to increase awareness of AFCCA across Canada, to amplify the voices of youth and their families, and to mobilize knowledge in ways that affect policy, systems, services, research, and professional practice to improve the lives of youth experiencing AFCCA and their families.

The investment from Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) and partners is contributing to the next phase of growth for the AFCCA Family Supports Program, expanding the clinical capacity of the current program team to deliver additional Non-Violent Resistance and Polyvagal Theory education, support groups, and direct clinical consultation and coordination for parents and caregivers experiencing AFCCA, including adoptive and kinship parents/caregivers. With this expanded clinical capacity, the program continues to scale in reaching a broader group of families and community caregivers, and continues to prepare for readiness to scale outside of Ontario. In parallel, existing and new program evaluation measures and resulting knowledge dissemination will focus on assessing the program’s impact on improving family safety, identifying and sharing emerging best practices, and relevance for application with broader community segments.

Award

  • Kids Brain Health Network: $100,000

 

Partners

  • Interwoven Connections
  • Sonor Foundation
  • Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

 

Team

  • Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Maude Champagne
  • Community, Implementation & Family Partner: Tracy Moisan
  • Community, Implementation & Family Partner: Shannon Parsons
  • Community & Implementation Partner: Tanya Eichler
  • Community & Implementation Partner: Sarah Van Dyk
  • Community & Implementation Partner: Cindy Quinlan Morrone
  • Family Partner: Jennifer Pellisero
  • Evaluation Partner: Dr. Sarah Serbinski
  • Evaluation Partner: Dr. Samantha Noyek, Postdoctoral Fellow

 

Resources

 

Decoding Aggression, Complex Behaviours and Brain-Based Disabilities: Practical Strategies for Addressing Aggression Within the Family System

Families and caregivers facing aggression from children and adolescents often feel isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of where to turn. This groundbreaking clinical manual provides a comprehensive, neuroscience-informed approach to understanding and addressing Aggression Toward Family/Caregivers in Childhood and Adolescence (AFCCA).

Written by Dr. Maude Champagne, RSW, MSW, PhD, with contributions from leading experts in neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma, and therapeutic interventions, this KBHN-funded manual offers evidence-based strategies, real-life case studies, and practical tools for professionals. Get your copy here.