Kids in Control and Teens in Control are free education and support programs created and offered by BC Schizophrenia Society. They are for children and youth (8-18 years) who have a family member with mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, etc.). These programs aim to foster resilience and increase knowledge and understanding of mental illness.

When there is a clearer understanding of mental illness, children and youth are able to express more compassion for their parent or sibling. It also gives them the necessary language to talk about mental illness, which creates opportunities for them to express their needs, access resources, and process their experiences. This all helps provide a greater sense of security and empowerment for children and youth.

The groups are run by trained facilitators with experience working with children and youth and mental health. Facilitators use a variety of activities and games to educate and support group members. They provide children and youth with opportunities to practice healthy coping strategies, gain knowledge about mental illness, and connect with peers who have similar experiences. A key goal of the group is to let the children and youth know that they are not the only ones experiencing these challenges.

Kids and Teens in Control Programs Now Offered Online: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Kids and Teens in Control programs are now virtual. These online sessions allow us to continue to offer support to children and youth, while covering the same important topics in a safe, relaxed, and fun learning environment. While we miss seeing everyone in person, moving the programming to an online format has also allowed us to offer these programs to more children and youth across the province.

The Kids in Control program is for children ages 8 - 12 years old and is currently offered as a eight-week online group. Each session is approximately 1.5 hours long and happens once per week. To adapt to virtual programming, we now have smaller group sizes and invite parents and caregivers to join at the beginning and end of each session. Prior to the first session, each participant will receive a "Kids in Control Care Box" with supplies for in-session crafts and games and some surprises too!

The Teens in Control program is for youth ages 13 - 18 years old and consists of a two-day online workshop. Each session is 1.5 hours long and gives youth the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences and interests. Youth have the chance to relax and play games, while learning about mental illness, self-care techniques, and skills for communicating with a loved one with mental illness.

Teens in Control Drop-in Group: After taking part in the workshop, youth are invited to continue with an online monthly drop-in group for ongoing support. The drop-in sessions are also 1.5 hours long and give the youth the opportunity to stay connected with their peers.